World number one Roger Federer bowed out of the Rome Masters as he suffered a surprise quarter-final defeat at the hands of Radek Stepanek.
Federer lost 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (9-7, his sixth defeat of an inconsistent season.
With the French Open two weeks away, the defeat is a blow to Federer's hopes of claiming the only Grand Slam title to elude him.
Earlier, Stanislas Wawrinka beat James Blake 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 to reach his first Masters semi-final.
Wawrinka followed up wins over Andy Murray and Juan Carlos Murray slumps to defeat in Rome ...
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The Swiss number two, who made the last four in Barcelona last week, could face another American, Andy Roddick, in the last four if he can see off Tommy Robredo.
More to follow.
(BBC)
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