In the late hours of Tuesday night, leading into Wednesday morning, the Brazilian tennis sensation, Gustavo "Guga" Kuerten lost to Carlos Berlocq in Brazil Open.

The loss means an early exit of Guga from the 2008 Brazil Open on the courts of the Sauipe Coast in Bahia, Brazil.

The player suffered from an injury to his quadricep, a chronic injury that has plagued him over the years, and inhibited his play.

"At 4-3 in the first set, I began to feel pain. At 5-4, it really began to hurt. The physical and emotional pain is tiring. The energy I needed to put up with the pain is supernatural and beyond me. I was exhausted," admitted Guga who left the tournament to a loud round of applause and his own tears.

In a press conference, the former world number one seemed to be content, however, his wear and pain was obvious. "Although I left the court tired, it is very difficult to walk now," added the athlete.

Kuerten asked for the aid of his physical therapist during the break between the first and second set and even went into the locker room where he received treatment for a few minutes.

To close out his illustrious career, Guga will play in the Masters Series in Miami, Monte Carlo and in Rome or Hamburg. He will also play in this year's Roland Garros and the Santa Catarina Challenger. The continuous injury to his quadricep leaves the player frustrated.

"It is a fantasy of mine to be able to play like I did before. The style I created is being forgotten. Today, few people play my style of tennis, in the backcourt, aggressive and closing out all the angles," stated the player.

As Guga had previously stated when he announced his farewell tour, he will hold dear to him the memories of being ranked No. 1 in the world by the ATP. No other Brazilian has held the title that he had.

"I can certainly remember the time when I was ranked No. 1 for close to a year. It was above my expectations. The injury took a little of the sweetness out of my mouth, however, I look at my career in a positive light. I've been injured, but other things will come up," ended Gustavo Kuerten.

(Xinhua News Agency February 14, 2008)