Federer humiliated by 175th-ranked opponent... gets even worse news after match
Well, that was one trip to South Beach that didn’t work out.
Roger Federer lost not once but twice at the Miami Open.
The first loss Saturday was on the court, to 175th-ranked Thanasi Kokkinakis in three sets.
The bigger-picture loss was his No. 1 world ranking, which will go away on April 2.
The loss to Kokkinakis was Federer’s second straight, and it was a shocker.
To put things in perspective, this was the biggest upset — at least statistically — since 2003, when 178th-ranked Francisco Clavet knocked off No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt.
After the loss, Federer didn’t seem surprised about losing his No. 1 ranking.
“I deserve it after this match,” he said via the Associated Press. “That’s how I feel.”
The ever-gracious legend focused on giving credit to his opponent.
“I’ve always liked his game,” Federer said. “I’m happy for him that on the big stage he was able to show it. It’s a big result for him in his career, and I hope it’s going to launch him.”
Kokkinakis is 6 feet 5 and known for having a booming serve.
Wow. Thanasi Kokkinakis d. Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) to reach the 3rd round in Miami. An incredible win for Thanasi, who had some very tough moments in the past few years. [getty] pic.twitter.com/hKDKAYhKiu
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) March 24, 2018
His 125 mph heat “served” him well against one of the greatest players of all time.
“Every time I had chances, something bad happened,” Federer said. “Wrong decision-making by me, good decision-making by him. It’s disappointing. I don’t know why I couldn’t get to any level I was happy with today.”
The next round of rankings is due out April 2, when Rafael Nadal will take over.
The irony is that Nadal missed Miami due to injury.
He will have a chance to cement his No. 1 ranking, though, at the French Open, which he’s won 10 times.
After Saturday’s defeat, Federer confirmed that he won’t be traveling to Paris for a second straight year.
Roger Federer has announced he will not compete this clay season. pic.twitter.com/p11MvlXLI8
— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 24, 2018
Following up a career-best 17-0 start with consecutive losses wasn’t part of the “Fed Plan,” but by not playing on the clay, the world’s oldest No. 1 player is hoping for a summer revival — maybe at that tournament in England, you know, the one he’s won eight times?
Wimbledon is just a few months away.
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