World number three Roger Federer was defeated by Richard Gasquet at the Rome Masters. The champion who was a reigning world champion and Grand slam holder for many years seems to be losing his winning streak.
Federer just suffered a humiliating defeat last week at the hands of arch rival World number one Rafael Nadal. Frenchman Gasquet beat Federer 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/4) in the third round to seal his berth for the Quarter-finals. This is Gasquet's second victory over the 16-time Grand Slam winner in 10 meetings. He won his first match in 2005 at Monte Carlo while he was a teenager.
"That's how it goes sometimes, I thought I was playing well and then in the third I wasn't playing at all, it's a disappointing match for me. It was tough to play out there, it was a slippery court. Richard started to play better as the match went on,” Federer admitted
Nadal too has his share of woes. He had to brave fever to miraculously make it to the quarter-finals. World number three Federer went down, a worrying setback less just 10 days before the start of Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam of the season.
Defending French Open champion Nadal, put behind his worst clay performance to seal his berth at the quarter-finals .Nadal won 6-4, 6-2 over compatriot Feliciano Lopez.
World number two Novak Djokovic continued his run which started with34 wins. It was a one-sided game. Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka faced defeat at 6-4, 6-1.World number four Andy Murray defeated Italian Potito Starace in 6-2, 6-3 sets.
