James Ward bows out of Nottingham Open

James Ward has let slip a one-set advantage to bow out of the Nottingham Open at the first-round stage to Tim Smyczek.

On Monday, the British number four raced to the first set before reaching 4-5 in the second when rain brought an early end to the action.

However, upon their return on Tuesday, Smyczek outplayed Ward, taking the match into a decider by taking a second-set tie-break.

The American quickly established a 4-0 advantage in the third before he eventually sealed a 1-6 7-6 6-1 triumph.

Ward will now turn his attentions to Wimbledon, where he has been handed a wildcard for the third major of the year.