Mercedes Cup 2017 Results: Roger Federer Upset by Tommy Haas in Round of 16
Roger Federer crashed out of the 2017 Mercedes Cup as he was defeated by 39-year-old Tommy Haas on the grass courts of Stuttgart, Germany, on Wednesday.
The former world No. 2 was victorious against the Swiss legend in the round of 16, winning 2-6, 7-6(8), 6-4.
It was Federer's first match back since missing the French Open, and the result denies him vital practice before Wimbledon.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Haas has fallen to No. 302 in the world but turned back the hands of time to stun his opponent with an impressive display.
The German joins compatriot Philipp Kohlschreiber in the next round after he defeated Steve Johnson in three sets.
The Austrian-born talent won 7-6(3), 5-7, 7-6(6) to force his way into the next stage.
There was also a victory for Mischa Zverev over Yannick Hanfmann. The No. 6 seed defeated the American qualifier 7-6(1), 6-2.
Lucas Pouille completed the day with success over Jean-Lennard Struff, prevailing 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(8).
Wednesday Results
- Tommy Hass def. Roger Federer: 2-6, 7-6(8), 6-4
- Philipp Kohlschreiber def. Steve Johnson: 7-6(3), 5-7, 7-6(6)
- Mischa Zverev def. Yannick Hanfmann: 7-6(1), 6-2
- Lucas Pouille vs. Jean-Lennard Struff: 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(8)
Wednesday Recap
Federer appeared bemused as he exited the German competition, with Haas exciting the home fans with a classic performance.
Haas is a better player than his current ranking suggests, but Federer was expected to win with little fuss.
The Swiss superstar followed the expected script in the opening set, sweeping to a 6-2 advantage as he glided across the grass.
However, the Hamburg-born player kept his head above water in the second, and took the set to a tiebreaker, winning 7-6 to disappoint his opponent.
Federer was once again expected to put his foot on the accelerator but the push didn't materialise as Haas completed the win.
BBC Sport quoted Hass after his momentous effort:
"It's always special to play a close friend like Roger on grass, always lots of emotion. I saved a match point so was able to play more freely after that. I even shocked myself."
The victory was only Haas' fourth win against Federer during his career, with the Swiss winning 13 times against the veteran.
Federer is considered a master on the surface, and it is the first time he has been defeated in his opening match at a grass-court tournament since losing to Mario Ancic at Wimbledon in 2002.
The superstar won 76 per cent of points on his first serve, but could not avoid defeat against Haas in top gear.
The failure represents just the fifth loss of the season for the icon who sits at No. 5 in the world.
All stats via the ATP World Tour.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
