Fourth-ranked Roger Federer made an early exit at the Rome Masters on Wednesday with a suprise 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 loss to 47th-ranked Jeremy Chardy of France. Federer had a match point in the third set but Chardy hit a forehand cross-court passing shot for a surprise winner. Chardy would go on to win the next two points to secure his first victory against a top-ten player.
Federer, who competed on his first match since losing at the Monte Carlo semifinals, admitted that it was a frustrating loss.
“That passing shot is a tough one for me to take because he’s not going to make that very often,” Federer said. “But it happens and credit to him to fight his way back into the match and take it.”
Federer will lose ranking points with this unexpected exit. He reached the final last year where he lost to Rafael Nadal. With the loss, Federer is looking forward to spending more time with his family and his newborn twins and prepare for the Roland Garros tournament which begins in two weeks.
“Everything’s under control,” he said. “I still feel good. My body’s good, my mind’s good. It’s just unfortunate for one passing shot today I don’t get another opportunity to play this week.”
