By Niall Clarke
- Defending champion Roger Federer out of the Shanghai Rolex Masters at the hands of qualifier Albert Ramos-Vinolas
- The Swiss lost in three sets 7-6, 2-6, 6-3.
- There were wins for Tsonga, Raonic, Cilic and Simon
Shanghai, China- Roger Federer’s defense of the Shanghai Rolex Masters came to an abrupt end at the hands of qualifier Albert Ramos-Vinolas, who defeated him in three sets.
The Swiss lost the first set on a tiebreaker 7-4, but raced through the second set with a double break before serving it out 6-2.
The momentum seemed to be behind the world number three, but Ramos secured the crucial break at 4-3 in the third set and showed nerves of steel as he closed out the biggest win of his career.
It was the Spaniard’s first top 10 victory after failing in his last 15 attempts. That included a thrashing at the hands of the 17 time Grand Slam champion at Wimbledon three years a go.
The world number 70 employed the tactics that made compatriot Rafael Nadal so successful against Federer, hitting heavy top spin shots to the single handed backhand of the Swiss.
The tactic worked to a tee, and Federer coughed up 30 unforced errors in a surprisingly poor performance on a court that should suit him.
Ramos will play Jo Wilfried Tsonga in the third round after the Frenchman made quick work of Victor Estrella Burgos 6-3, 6-1. Tsonga struggled past Tommy Robredo in round one, but made no mistakes taking out Estrella Burgos.
Last year’s finalist Gilles Simon, did not fall the way of the man who stopped him here 12 months ago. The 10th seed was made to work, but pulled through in three sets over Nikoloz Basilashvili.
Ninth seed Milos Raonic was successful in two tiebreak sets over Thomaz Bellucci. Marin Cilic had no problems against the highly touted Borna Coric, defeating the 18 year old 6-1, 6-2.
Richard Gasquet also progressed with a 7-6 6-2 victory against Gilles Muller, and Fabio Fognini defeated Joao Sousa 7-6, 6-3.
The Shanghai Rolex Masters continues tomorrow where Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic will be in action.
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