Sam Groth has been bumped out in the first round of the Citi Open in Washington, losing a tight clash 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) to American Brian Baker.

The Australian was dominant on his own serve, but unable to break Baker’s serve.

Groth sent down 18 aces – double the amount by Baker, and did not face one break point in the match, however he won just 22 points on return of serve.

It continues a horror year for 28-year-old, whose ATP Tour record has now dropped to 4-13 and he has dropped 101 rankings places since August last year to No.154.

Fellow-Australians John Millman, James Duckworth and Jordan Thompson each progressed to the second round of the tournament on Monday (Tuesday AEDT), while Bernard Tomic had a first-round bye.