HAAS-BEEN????

Haas, who had his third career shoulder surgery in November and had not played since October, fell to Argentine Diego Hartfield 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 in the Delray Beach tournament. Hartfield had never won an ATP Tour-level match on hard courts.

A semifinalist at the Australian Open and quarterfinalist at the U.S. Open last year, Haas hoped he would be ready after surgery. But Hartfield, 27 years old and 0-4 lifetime on hard courts, took advantage when Haas lost steam in his serve.

"I thought I was close enough to maybe get a win, but it didn't happen," Haas said. "He fought hard and played well."

Hartfield has advanced to a world rank of 99 mainly by concentrating on clay courts.

Haas, who turns 30 in April, served 110 mph or slower most of the match, compared to his normal serve that peaks in the mid-120s. He managed five aces, but connected on just 53 percent of his first serves and double faulted four times. Haas tried to overcome his weaknesses by forcing the issue at net, but Hartfield enjoyed considerable success by knocking shots past Haas or putting them at his feet.

Afterward, Haas wore an ice pack on his right shoulder, which he said did not cause him sharp pain but simply didn't provide the strength he needed to win.

Haas, who was born in Hamburg, Germany, and lives in Bradenton, hopes he will return to something close to full strength in a couple of months. He is ranked 27th in the world.