Montreal Masters: Nadal falls at first hurdle

Rafael Nadal fluffed his lines on the return from five-week break when the Spanish world number two was stunned 1-6, 7-6, 7-6 by unheralded Croatian Ivan Dodig in his opening match of the Montreal Masters.Back in action for the first time since losing to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final on July 3, Nadal had looked poised for a routine comeback victory after storming through the opening set of the second round encounter. However, the 41st ranked Croatian had other ideas and would not be bullied by the muscular Mallorcan, matching Nadal shot-for-shot before ending the three-hour thriller with a backhand cross-court winner.The loss will be a blow to Nadals Flushing Meadows preparation, where the Spaniard will launch the defence his U.S. Open crown later this month.The late night shock provided an unexpected twist to the end of a day that had gone largely according to script, with 10 of the 13 seeds in action enjoying a safe passage into the third round. Djokovics reign as world number one got off to a sluggish start as the Serb scrambled to a 7-5, 6-1 win over Russian Nikolay Davydenko, while Roger Federer entered his 30s with a clinical 7-5, 6-3 victory over Canadian Vasek Pospisil.Playing his first competitive match since celebrating his 30th birthday on Monday, Federer looked a fresh as ever as he strolled onto centre court impeccably attired in a blue shirt and headband. It was also business as usual for the Swiss maestro once the match started, the former number one beginning his tune-up for the U.S. Open with a gentle workout.