Rome Masters: Roger Federer Thrashed By Italian Unknown

Roger Federer's stuttering season on clay continued today when he was humbled 6-2, 6-4 by Italian wildcard Filippo Volandri in the Rome Masters.

Volandri, ranked No93 in the world, had won just five of his 14 matches this year. But he was far too good for a strangely subdued Federer, who made 44 unforced errors and converted just one of his seven break points.

The result means that World No1 Federer, who finished runner-up in Rome in 2003 and 2006, has now gone four tournaments without a title - his longest stretch without a victorious campaign since becoming world No1 in February 2004.

"It's a disappointing result, obviously," admitted Federer. "I just didn't play well today. The crowd and opponent were tough, but I couldn't really put it together."

Volandri greeted his victory by punching the air and doing a lap of honour. Federer wasn't there to see it: by then he had already walked off, head bowed, humbled.

World No3 Andy Roddick also crashed out in straight sets today, losing 6-0, 6-4 to Argentinian Juan Ignacio Chela.

Meanwhile World No2 Rafael Nadal has been for medical checks after feeling dizzy during his second-round victory over Daniele Bracciali.

"He saw the ATP doctor this morning, but it's nothing serious," said his agent Benito Barbadillo, before adding that it was unlikely to prevent the 20-year-old Spaniard taking part in his last 16 match against 15th seed Mikhail Youzhny later today.

Nadal, who was won his last 73 matches on clay, is aiming to win his third successive Rome title and equal Thomas Muster's Open-era record of three Rome titles.