Federer dumped out by Robredo in New York
Originally published on: 03/09/13 00:00
The No.19 seed claimed a shock 7-6(3) 6-3 6-4 win to set up a quarter-final clash with fellow Spaniard Nadal.
Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Federer, chasing a sixth US Open title, committed 43 unforced errors and converted just two of 16 break point opportunities.
"I kind of feel like I beat myself, without taking any credit away from Tommy," said Federer. "I kind of self destructed, which is very disappointing, especially on a quicker court. Your serve helps you out. You're going to make the difference somewhere. I just couldn't do it. It was a frustrating performance today."
Scheduling changes prompted by a lengthy rain delay on Monday meant Federer’s match was moved to Louis Armstrong Stadium, the first time since 2006 he had played on the second showcourt.
Robredo, who had never beaten Federer in 10 previous meetings, had been pushed to four sets by Britain’s Dan Evans in the third round, but the 31-year-old took his chances, converting four break points to condemn the Swiss to his earliest US Open exit since 2003.
"It's amazing. For me, Roger for the moment is the best player of all time,” Robredo said. “And to beat him in a huge stadium like the US Open and in a Grand Slam, a match of five sets, it's like a dream."
Federer and Nadal, widely considered to be two of the best players of all time, have enjoyed a fierce rivalry stretching back to 2004, but despite having clashed on 31 occasions, have never met in New York.
That statistic will continue for at least another year as Robredo moves onto the quarter-finals to face the in-form Nadal, who came from a set down to beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-7(4) 6-4 6-3 6-1.
Meanwhile, fourth seed David Ferrer needed almost four hours to get past Janko Tipsarevic, battling to a 7-6(2) 3-6 7-5 7-6(3) victory on Grandstand court. The Spaniard will meet Richard Gasquet in the last eight after the Frenchman saved a match point in a thrilling 6-7(4) 7-6(4) 2-6 7-6(9) 7-5 victory over Milos Raonic.
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