26 Jul 2013

Federer crashes out early again

5:29 am on 26 July 2013

Roger Federer's worrying form slump has continued at the Swiss Open where he's been knocked out by the world number 55 Daniel Brands.

The German spoiled Federer's return to the tournament after nine years with a shock 6-3 6-4 second round victory.

Federer had laboured for three sets to beat Brands a week ago in Hamburg, where his tournament was ended in the semi-finals by an Argentine qualifier.

The run of early losses for the Swiss star started last month at Wimbledon where he was beaten in the second round by Ukraine's Sergei Stakhovksy.