Federer falls to Ukrainian in shocking early exit
Upset among tops in history
LONDON — Seven-time champion Roger Federer was stunned by 116thranked Sergiy Stakhovsky in the second round of Wimbledon on Wednesday, his earliest loss in a Grand Slam tournament in 10 years.
The 27-year-old Ukrainian outplayed Federer on Centre Court, serving and volleying his way to a 6-7 (5), 7- 6 (5), 7-5, 7- 6 (5) victory that stands out as one of the biggest upsets in Grand Slam history.
“Magic,” Stakhovsky said. “I couldn’t play any better today.”
Federer’s loss ended his record streak of reaching at least the quarterfinals at 36 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments, a run that began at Wimbledon in 2004, shortly after a third-round exit at that year’s French Open.
“It’s always a disappointment losing any match around the world, and particularly here,” Federer said.
“I’ve had some great moments here, but also some tougher ones. Can’t have ‘em all. It was a tough loss today.”
The owner of a record 17 major championships, Federer hadn’t been beaten in the second round or earlier since a first-round defeat at the 2003 French Open.
The 31-year-old Federer said he won’t “panic” and will work hard to come back stronger.
“I’m looking forward to what’s to come,” he said. “Looking forward to next year, that I can do better next year. “
Federer said the end of his quarterfinal run does not represent the end of an era.
“I still have plans to play for many more years to come,” he said. “It’s normal that after all of a sudden losing early after being in the quarters 36 times, people feel it’s different. “
Federer’s shock defeat was his earliest at the All England Club since a firstround loss in 2002 to No. 154-ranked Mario Ancic.
Stakhovsky is the lowest-ranked player to beat Federer at any event since then.
Wednesday’s defeat came on the same grass court Federer has made his own for nearly a decade.
It ended with Stakhovsky converting on his second match point, a 13-stroke rally that finished with Federer hitting a backhand wide.
Stakhovsky fell onto his back in celebration. He later bowed to the crowd as Federer walked off the court with a quick wave.
Federer converted only one of eight break points against Stakhovsky, who broke the Swiss star twice. The Ukrainian piled up 72 winners against 17 unforced errors, while Federer had 56 winners and 13 errors.
While few play serveand-volley these days, Stakhovsky used the tactic with great success throughout the match to keep Federer off balance. He won 61 out of 96 points at the net.
“I’m still in disbelief,” Stakhovsky said. “When you play Roger Federer at Wimbledon it’s like you are playing two persons. First you play Roger Federer, then you play his ego, and on the Centre Court of Wimbledon, where he is historical. So that’s like playing two against one.”
There were a few moments of normality on this crazy day at the All England Club.
Second-seeded Andy Murray advanced easily to the third round with a 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Yen-hsun Lu of Taiwan on Court 1.
Murray served 11 aces and had 41 winners against only 14 unforced errors for his second consecutive straight-set win.
With Nadal and Federer now out of his half of the draw, the U.S. Open champion remains on course in his bid to become the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years.
American John Isner, the 18th seed, retired during his second-round match against Adrian Mannarino of France after only two games.