17 Feb 2013

Federer beaten in Rotterdam

12:01 pm on 17 February 2013

Frenchman Julien Benneteau has sent defending champion Roger Federer crashing out of the Rotterdam World Tennis tournament with a straight sets quarter-final upset.

Federer, who lifted the trophy in his last two appearances in 2005 and 2012, last suffered defeat in the event against Tim Henman in 2004.

Federer was clearly off the boil from the start, beginning with an ace but losing the first game.

He was broken three times in the first set in a shocking display from the top seed and heavy crowd favourite at the Ahoy stadium.

Bennetau will face second seed Juan Martin del Potro in the final.