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Matthew Ebden has been sent crashing out of the Noventi Open grass court tournament in Germany, losing to Moldova's Radu Albot.

Australian No.5 Matthew Ebden has been sent crashing out of the Noventi Open grass court tournament in Halle, going down 5-7 6-1 6-4 to Radu Albot.

The Moldovan world No.46 prevailed in two hours seven minutes in Halle, Germany, to deliver a blow to the West Australian's Wimbledon preparations.

Local favourite and world No.5 Alex Zverev breezed through to the second round with a comfortable win over Dutchman Robin Haase.

French fifth-seed Gael Monfils went out to compatriot Pierre-Hugues Herbert and there were also wins for Portugal's Joao Sousa, Russian No.9 Karen Khachanov and American Steve Johnson.

Australia's John Millman has the uneviable task of facing nine-time champion Roger Federer in the opening round on Tuesday.

The match will be the first time the pair have met since Millman's stunning victory over the Swiss great at last year's US Open and their first encounter on grass.

Defending champions Borna Coric is also in action against Spain's Jaume Munar.