Thomaz Bellucci too strong for James Ward

James Ward has continued his poor run of form on the ATP Tour by falling to a straight-sets defeat to Thomaz Bellucci.

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The 30th seed proved too strong for the British number four, who has now lost eight matches in a row since reaching the third round at Wimbledon.

After losing the first set in just 24 minutes, Ward improved in the second as he extended his Brazilian opponent for the first time, but in the final game of the set, he dropped his serve to allow Bellucci to move into a clear advantage.

Ward soon fell a break down in the third, and after he missed three opportunities to break back, Bellucci was able to ease to a 6-1 7-5 6-3 triumph.