Federer stunned in Paris

Benneteau: Overcome with emotion

Also see

• Tennis Results
• ATP Schedule
• Tennis on Sky
• Messageboards

Unseeded Julien Benneteau produced the performance of his career to defeat world number one Roger Federer in round two of the Paris Masters.

Cheered on by his home fans, plucky Frenchman Benneteau fought back from a set down to shock the Swiss top seed 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 in just under two hours of gripping tennis.

The defeat means Federer has still never been further than the quarter-finals at the Palais Omnisports and is a major setback to his preparations for the ATP World Tour Finals.

Benneteau, who had lost both of his previous two matches against Federer in straight sets, walked on to court to a terrific reception and was in determined mood throughout the contest despite losing the opening set.

His Swiss opponent took the first 6-4 without having to save a single break point and few would have predicted what was to follow on Centre Court.

Shock

With neither player able to force a break in the second set, Benneteau struck first in the tie-break with a mini-break off Federer's opening delivery.

From there on it was a question of whether the 27-year-old could hold his serve, and his nerve, which he did to the delight of the partisan crowd.

After watching fellow World Tour Finals rivals Juan Martin Del Potro and Novak Djokovic advance to the third round earlier in the day, Federer could ill-afford an early defeat ahead of the end of year showpiece.

Especially considering he has only played five Tour matches since his US Open final defeat to Argentina's Del Potro back in September.

As the third set progressed it was clear that a shock could be on the cards should Benneteau take any break-point chances which came his way, and he did.

And despite a barrage of pressure on his own serve, the Frenchman sealed a sensational victory with an ace to book a last 16 date with compatriot Gael Monfils.