Agassi defeated in Rome, loses his No. 1 ranking

Monday, May 5, 2003 | 9:43 a.m.

Las Vegan Andre Agassi lost the No. 1 ranking today with a 0-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4 loss to unheralded David Ferrer of Spain in the first round of the Italian Open.

The match was Agassi's first since he became the oldest man to lead the rankings. Lleyton Hewitt will regain the top spot next week.

Agassi, 33, cruised through the first set in just 24 minutes. But the 60th-ranked Ferrer started holding serve in the second set, and Agassi's command began to slip away.

In the final set, Ferrer forced Agassi to hit into the net on break point to go up 5-4. Agassi's four unforced errors allowed Ferrer to serve out the match.

Agassi came in with a 23-1 match record and four titles this year, including the Australian Open for his eighth career Grand Slam tournament championship.

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