Rusedski allows RCA title to slip in tie-breaks

Greg Rusedski's hopes of defending his title here at the RCA Championships are over after a second-round defeat by Scott Draper on Wednesday night. The British No 2, seeded 10, was beaten 6-3, 6-7, 6-7 by the Australian despite holding match point twice.

Rusedski did not have his service broken, but it was Draper who prevailed after two tie-breaks. "I just missed a little bit of sharpness today, just a little tentative on a few points," said Rusedski.

His entry into the US Open was confirmed yesterday. Only Pete Sampras of the top 100 men has not committed himself. Sampras's decision to miss the tournament was widely expected and raises speculation that he is poised to announce his retirement.