Federer shocked by Benneteau in Paris
Roger Federer suffered a shock three-set defeat to Julien Benneteau in Paris
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By Alistair Potter. |  |
Thursday, 12, Nov 2009 12:09
By Alistair Potter.
World number one Roger Federer has suffered a shock defeat to Frenchman Julien Benneteau in his opening match of the Paris Masters.
The Swiss star's defeat - which came in less than two hours, 3-6 7-6 6-4 - means his number one ranking could be under threat from second seed Rafael Nadal, if he goes on to win the tournament this week.
Federer currently sits more than 1,200 ranking points clear of the Spaniard in the ATP Tour standings.
But with 1,000 points on offer this week and 1,500 points for any undefeated champion at the ATP World Tour finals in London in two weeks' time, Nadal could still overhaul his rival at the top.
Federer's defeat, which came after a battling performance from Benneteau coupled with an off-day for the top seed, marked the third time in seven appearances that the Swiss has lost his opening match.
But Benneteau, who described his victory as "fabulous", was good value for the win - saving three break points in the decider and putting pressure on Federer, before converting his seventh point against serve for the decisive break.
"The memory of this match will stay with me forever," he said afterwards.
"Hearing the crowd when they are all behind you, the noise is enormous. I didn't believe it was possible to experience something like that.
"I don't remember any other match in my career where I really used my mental resources and physical resources as much.
"I needed to be very precise and to be aggressive, and that is what made the difference, I think."
Benneteau's reward for his victory over Federer is an all-French third round tie against 15th seed Gael Monfils, who defeated countryman David Guez 6-4 7-5 in the second round.