Rusedski rues Spadea loss

Greg Rusedski (right) congratulates Vince Spadea

A devasted Greg Rusedski says he plans to go "as far away as possible from Wimbledon" after his first round defeat by Vince Spadea.

Spadea, who had lost a record 21 consecutive matches on the ATP Tour beforehand, won an epic lasting nearly four hours 6-3 6-7 6-3 6-7 9-7.

"We were like gladiators out there," he said after the match which, with a rain interruption of one hour 45 minutes, took up most of the opening day's business on Court One.

The 25-year-old American, who last won a match in Lyon last October, said: "It was worth the wait."

Rusedski paid tribute to Spadea, saying: "He is too good a player to have lost as many matches as he lost in a row."

Big occasion

Spadea admitted that his first thought when he saw he was drawn against Rusedski in the first round was 'Let's get the heck out of town'.

"My parents left and went home two days ago. I think they saw the draw and thought 'Vince, man...'." he smiled.

"But I knew I could rise to the big occasions, beat the big players, and this was one of those days. I've got a lot of character and I was a ready for whatever was going to happen.

Spadea celebrates ending his losing streak

"Now I've got to organise some practise and cancel flights, but it was an amazing experience to go out there on a big court and win."

"If I had lost this match I was thinking 'I am going to have to stay in Europe until I win a match'.

Spadea has been working on his game with 1987 Wimbledon champion Pat Cash.

He said: "Pat has been very generous and it has been an amazing experience to work with someone of his playing stature."