GSTAAD (Switzerland), July 4: Rain washed out all but one first-round Match on Monday as the opening day of the 421,250-euro Swiss Open became bogged down by weather. Only Spain’s Fernando Verdasco managed to complete a match before drizzle and showers conspired to keep seven other contests from completion. The 21-year-old world number 55, advanced past Czech qualifier Jaroslav Pospisil 6-2, 6-4.

For the first time since 1997 Roger Federer does not figure in the draw.

The 23-year-old runaway world number 1 opted months ago to take a month off prior to starting the North American hardcourt season; he made his debut here in 1998.

Federer lifted the trophy a year ago over Igor Andreev; the Swiss standout also suffered his last loss in a final in 2003 when he was beaten on the fast-paced clay by Jiri Novak.

Gstaad was the venue for Federer’s first wildcard as a promising teenager who has bloomed into perhaps the best to ever play the game.

Federer’s third straight Wimbledon title Sunday marked his 20th victory in a trophy match since the Novak setback.

The veteran Czech holds a sixth seeding, with his match against Italian Potito Starace also rained off.

Left hanging at this high altitude alpine village was second seed Gaston Gaudio due to have opened play at his fifth Gstaad appearance against Swiss wild card entry George Bastl.—AFP