Frenchman Julien Benneteau shocks Roger Federer in Paris Masters

Updated on: 12 November,2009 08:14 AM IST |
AFP |

Frenchman benneteau shocks swiss world no 1

Frenchman benneteau shocks Swiss world no 1

France's Julien Benneteau reacts after beating World No 1 Roger Federeru00a0 in a second round match of the Paris Masters yesterday. Benneteau won 3-6, 7-6, 6-4. pics/afp

World No 49 Benneteau, was roared on by his home crowd and secured the result of his life with an ace after earning match point with fine a crosscourt backhand past the 15-time Major-winner.

Second seed Rafael Nadal, meanwhile, said he was "very lucky" after edging out Spanish compatriot Nicolas Almagro 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 7-5.

Nadal was a set and 5-6 down against Almagro, and survived five match points before battling back to set up a third-round tie with 14th-seeded Tommy Robredo.

"I played great tennis in only one moment, but in the rest of the match I didn't play well. I am very lucky to be in the (next) round. I played bad but I won," Nadal said in reference to his comeback from 5-6 and 0-40 down in the second set.

The world's top five players were all in action on Wednesday, with Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Petro both joining Nadal in round three.

Russian Marat Safin's 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 defeat to fifth seed Argentine Del Potro heralded the end of the Russian former world number one's career, after he announced earlier in the year that he would retire at the end of the season.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels