Tennis: Roger Federer Loses in First Round of the Masters Series in Indian Wells

Roger Federer's attempt to break Guillermo Vilas's ATP Tour record of 46 straight victories has ended after a shock first-round defeat to Argentina's Guillermo Canas at Indian Wells.

Federer, who was looking for his 42nd consecutive win, had problems with his right foot from the outset and repeatedly called for the trainer. Canas, who only returned from a 15-month drug ban in September, scented blood and - after breaking Federer twice in each set - deservedly came through 7-5, 6-2.

Afterwards Federer, whose last defeat came against Andy Murray in the second round of ATP Masters Series in Cincinnati last summer, insisted he felt under no extra pressure with Vilas's record in sight. "You think it's pressure? It's no pressure at all because I take it match by match," he said. "But it was just a grind for me from the start. I was struggling but it was tough. The first match is always difficult, but I've had an incredible run, not losing an opening game for, I think, over two years. So I'm really happy about that. Sooner or later it had to happen, so it's OK. It's no problem."

Canas, meanwhile, was delighted at his performance. "It's a dream," he admitted. "I didn't expect it. I'm confident in my game but I knew it was going to be tough. It's great, because the last five months for me has been fun. It's my first Master Series after I've started playing again and to beat the world No1 and to play like this, is great for me. And it's given me a lot of confidence that I can finish this year in the top 20."