Canas stuns Federer yet again

For the second time in two weeks, Roger Federer bowed to emerging nemesis Guillermo Canas in a close and tense three-set match in the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson Open at Key Biscayne, Florida.

Federer clearly struggled to find his rhythm early on to lose the first set 6-7(3) but came back strong to make just nine errors (compared to nineteen in the first) and win the second set 6-2. In fact, he looked to be on the way to avenge his previous loss to Canas two weeks ago with a 3-1 lead in the third set when Canas saved several break points and broke back to force a tie-break. From then on Federer's racquet began spraying errors as in the first set, particularly a missed lob at 4-5 in the tie-break. Two points later, Canas clinched victory with an ace.

Federer was understandably disappointed but praised the Argentine nevertheless:

I was in total control for almost all the match, and once I broke back in the first set. I was really happy with my level of play. I thought it was a great match, so it was disappointing to lose, of course.

He’s a great competitor. He scrambles back so many balls and doesn’t miss much, and then he moves the ball around very well. He really improved his backhand, his serve. They weren’t that good a couple years ago, so that just tightened up his game a lot. ... I guess he played well against me both times, and I couldn’t put him away unfortunately.

... it's one of those matches I never should have lost.

The Swiss' second loss this season ended his bid for a third consecutive Miami AMS title. It also means he'll have an early start for the clay season this year during which he'll try to win the French Open for the first time. Let us just hope that a lack of match play will not adversely affect his performance. But as always, we faithful Federer fans wish him the best of luck!