World number one Roger Federer was sent crashing out of the Rome
Masters on Thursday after suffering a shock straight-sets defeat to
unseeded Filippo Volandri.
The 25-year-old Italian delighted his home crowd after ousting
the top-seeded Swiss 6-2 6-4 in the third round.
The defeat was Federer's first to any player other than Rafael
Nadal on clay since April 2005.
The result was the second surprise in the space of a few hours
at the prestigious event after third seed Andy Roddick crashed out
6-0 6-4 to Juan Ignacio Chela earlier in the day.
Federer, who finished as runner-up at this event in 2003 and
2006, was downbeat after failing to get to grips with Volandri in
front of a partisan crowd.
Federer said: "Today I couldn't get it together. The crowd and
the opponent was tough. The crowd had a lot to cheer because the
game was so one-sided.
"It was one of those days. It hasn't happened in a long time
because I've been playing so well.
"I don't think it will affect me for the French Open. I've
played a good season and shouldn't be rattled by one match."
(Xinhua News Agency May 11, 2007)
