While everyone in the tennis world had their eyes on the Australian Open last week, there were in fact other tournaments going on as well. At the Challenger level, two players who have tasted levels of success at Roland Garros both went down in defeat.

French Open champ from 2004, Gaston Gaudio got knocked out of the first round of a green clay tournament in Miami, 6-0, 6-3 to 18 year old Kei Nishikori of Japan. Last year was absolutely dismal for Gaudio, but losing to a kid with a 3-5 lifetime record on tour must be a sign the end if near.

French Open finalist from 2005, Mariano Puerta also was beaten in the first round of a small clay court tournament in Chile last week. He went down 6-1, 6-4 to Eduardo Schwank.

It's hard to believe that two guys who were playing in the year-end Tennis Master Cup merely two years ago, can't even win the opening round of a challenger event now. Time to call it a day perhaps.