Former world number one Gustavo Kuerten was shown just how far he has to go to recapture his form when he was dealt a humbling 6-2, 6-0 defeat by Alberto Martin in the second round of the Valencia Open on Thursday.
Kuerten, who had made a promising start on his return after a seven-month injury lay-off when he brushed aside fourth-seeded Belgian Olivier Rochus in the first round, was no match for the Spaniard who eased his way into the last eight.
The Brazilian, who was sidelined after undergoing surgery on his right hip last September, will continue his comeback at the Monte Carlo Masters, Rome and Hamburg.
The three-time French Open champion joins other high-profile players who have gone out in the early rounds at the claycourt tournament.
Number one seed Nikolay Davydenko fell victim to 2002 French Open champion Albert Costa and Juan Carlos Ferrero was blown away by fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal in first round matches.
