The Swiss tennis player, Roger Federer was eliminated in the first round of the Rome Masters after losing against the Latvian, Ernests Gulbis(world 40th), who beat him in just over two hours of play, with a score of 6-2, 1-6, 5-7. The world No.1 had an inauspicious debut against the young player, against whom he had played earlier this year in Doha. The irregularity in his game gave the Swiss no chance of winning the match, despite recovering in the third set with a 5-5 and serve. He eventually fell due to his constant unforced errors.

Federer did not have a high percentage of his first serves in the first set, but he did not feel too threatened by the Latvian, who alternated few shots with many errors. In particular, his best shot was his returning shot, but its intermittence allowed the Swiss to feel comfortable without risking too much. After breaking two serves, Federer won the first set 6-2

In the second set, the opposite occurred; Federer was the erratic one, off with his shots and committing a lot of errors. Gulbis improved in his winners and secured his shots without risking too much. Gulbis broke Federer’s serve twice and won 5 consecutive games to close the set with an ace. The Latvian won the second set, 6-1.

Federer wasn’t comfortable with his shots, particularly failing on his decisions, while Gulbis was hurting Federer with his two-handed backhand side shots, which he hit with higher speed. Several errors with his right shot cost the Swiss his serve in the fifth game. With that Gulbis went ahead 4-2 in the third set.

The Roman public supported Federer and encouraged him to recover, but the Latvian had taken great confidence and got his first two match points with Federer’s serve in the ninth game. However, Gulbis missed both, due to the tension and his quick decisions. The Swiss managed to hold his serve and went 4-5.

Gulbis’ nerves took over, and he again had two match points after a clamorous right shot error inverted by Federer. However, he missed both opportunities again. Gulbis had a third chance but he couldn’t realize it. With his eighth ace he got his fourth opportunity to win the match but lost it after a double fault. Then it was Federer who had his chance to break the Latvian’s serve; he smashed out and stole the game after an erratic shot from Gulbis, tying the set 5-5. But Federer was not having a good day and mistakes surfaced again; the world no. 1 lost the next game and gave Gulbis a new chance for match point. This time the Latvian’s serve worked, and Gulbis achieved his historic victory by winning the twelfth game and taking the set 7-5.

Federer had 20 winners and 33 unforced errors. The Swiss was obviously outdone in the final statistics; Gulbis ended with 38 winners and 39 errors.

With this loss, some believe that Federer wouldn’t be able to defend his title at Roland Garros; he’s had three disqualifications in Miami, Indian Wells and now Rome. The top seed is also losing substantial competition ranking points after not reaching the semifinals.

Last year, Federer reached the semifinals of Rome Masters; weeks after he won his first Grand Slam title on clay at the French Open.

Despite this surprising defeat, Federer stated that he would focus on the doubles tournament with his compatriot Yves Allegro and then would concentrate on the two tournaments he have at Estoril and Madrid; he has time before he has tow orry about defending his title at Roland Garros, which will be held on May 23rd.

About the Author

Ally White has been a prominent writer on daily ATP Tennis Games; sports news and the sportsbetting industry for many exceptional sport web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.