Stepanek Routs Federer In Rome

May 9, 2008 5:43 p.m. EST

Rome, Italy (AHN) -- Roger Federer dropped a heart breaker in the Rome Masters quarterfinals to 27th ranked Radek Stepanek, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (7).

Stepanek simply had the game to beat Federer on Friday, shooting for winners, rushing the net and making very few unforced errors.

"That was very important because once you let Roger play his game he can work the ball very well, move you around the court and put pressure on you," Stepanek told reporters.

Federer's backhand simply fell apart under the barrage, his massive serve being broken in the beginning of the second set.

"I've played against him in the past so it wasn't much of a surprise," Federer told reporters. "I just hoped I could have played a little better."

Federer, known for his rocket serves and extremely competitive racquet, has been plain old beatable this year. He has suffered six defeats, and has only captured one tournament victory, at Estorial.

Federer has been playing predominantly clay court tournaments since April in hopes of seizing the elusive French Open for himself, though doubt has been cast as to his chances of taking home the Grand Slam.

This blow comes on the heels of another straight set defeat by Rafael Nadal in the final at Monte Carlo. He has one last preparatory tournament in Hamburg, Germany, before he will match his mettle in the French Open.