The ATP tournament this week in Washington has witnessed a host of shocks as all 4 Americans in Roddick, Isner, Querrey and Fish were knocked out. The number two seed, Andy Roddick suffered a disappointing 6-3 6-3 loss to Giles Simon in a match where Roddick failed to find any rhythm. Roddick started the year well but since the clay season he has looked lacklustre and failed to perform anywhere near to the best of his ability. Many people will be starting to question whether we have seen the best of Andy Roddick. John Isner also followed Roddick out of ATP Washington with a surprising third set tiebreak loss to Xavier Malisse. Isner had won his last 7 matches decided in a third set tiebreak however he couldn't do it this time around as Malisse came through. Mardy Fish was also beaten in 3 sets, this time by Marin Cilic (pictured above) who pulled of his best victory in many months. This could be a sign that Cilic is returning to form and may be one to watch over the next month with many players around him seemingly struggling.Tomas Berdych continued his uneasy passage through the tournament with another 3 set victory in the 3rd round, this time over Golubev. It is evident he is still showing signs of rust following his appearance in the Wimbledon final however it is a positive sign that Berdych is winning these tight matches as several years ago, this was not the case. Fernando Verdasco was also among the winners with a straight sets win over Ryan Sweeting. Verdasco has struggled since the clay court season but with so many of his seeded opponents being knocked out, he will look to take full advantage as he next faces Baghdatis in the QF. David Nalbandian also shone yesterday as he demolished Chiudinelli losing just one game. Nalbandian has shown that if he stays injury free, he can be a real danger in any tournament as he has shown no signs of rust following several months out with injury.
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