On this day: Roger Federer suffers earliest Wimbledon loss since 2002

In 2002, Roger Federer suffered an unexpected first-round Wimbledon loss in straight sets to a qualifier Mario Ancic. One of the title favorites after the last year's triumph over Pete Sampras couldn't find his rhythm, allowing the Croat to dictate the pace and march towards his first ATP win. In the next seven years, Federer was the player to beat at the All England Club, lifting six trophies from seven finals and winning another crown in 2012. On June 26, 2013, the Swiss star experienced another tough defeat in the cathedral of tennis when world no. 116 Sergiy Stakhovsky stunned him 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 7-6 in three hours.

It was the first Major tournament without Roger Federer in the quarter-final after 36 straight last eight appearances, dropping his first encounter in the second round at Majors (50-1).

Stakhovsky played well when it mattered the most, rushing to the net and keeping the points on his racquet to notch the first top-10 win in the 21st attempt. The Ukrainian was also the first name ranked outside the top-100 with a win over Roger since Richard Gasquet in Monte Carlo 2005. There were no breaks in the opening two sets, with the rivals defending service games until 5-5 in the third when the Ukrainian grabbed a break that sent him two sets to one in front. 

"It's always a disappointment when you lose a match, especially here at Wimbledon. I have had some great moments here, but also tougher ones. It was a severe loss today but I have to appreciate all the standing ovation while leaving the court. To play in 36 consecutive Major quarter-finals is a great number; I wish it wasn't going to end here today. Still, I don't think that's something fans or myself are going to mourn about. It's an excellent record but I have to move on. I didn't feel anything strange on the court, like injury and that stuff. I had a normal warmup and everything, hoping for another Wimbledon win that couldn't come today. I have to go back to work and return stronger; I'm looking forward to what's to come in the rest of the summer and the closing months of the season. The defeat is undoubtedly not what I was hoping for today but it does happen.

I will try to return stronger next year. You guys were thrilled and excited about me facing Rafa and now we are both out; it's disrespectful to our opponents who are still in the draw. It would be best if you didn't do that next time around. Sergiy was uncomfortable to play against. He served & volleyed well and it wasn't easy to find the match rhythm. He played on a high level and especially on the big points. Sergiy was under enormous pressure and still closed the match; kudos to him for that. I knew he was going to rush to the net; he is comfortable doing that. You can use that tactic if you play in the right way, with a big serve and good movement. He played well on the return and I'm impressed with his performance. I had my chances but couldn't seize them; that's very frustrating but I have to accept that."

He broke early in the fourth before Roger Federer bounced back to level the score at 3-3, staying in touch until the tie break that Stakhovsky claimed 7-5 for a career-best triumph. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2NzCAAU