2012 Sony Ericsson Results: Andy Roddick Stuns Roger Federer

In an unexpected turn of events, 34^th-seeded Andy Roddick put on one of his most impressive performances in years defeating world No.3 Roger Federer (7-6, 1-6, 6-4) in the third round of the 2012 Sony Ericsson in Key Biscayne, Florida, Monday night. Roddick was listed as a huge 9/1 underdog against Federer [1/15] going into this meetings.

“I came out a bit flat today, I was a bit tired, I guess, but it was more mental than physical,” said the all-time Grand Slam leader. “That’s maybe 30 matches for the season. I am just feeling like it’s taken its toll a bit, which is normal,” he said. But I’ve played more tired in the past, so this was not the most tired I have ever been, but you just start to feel it a bit. I didn’t just get the lucky break today that I got in Indian Wells.”

Although it was only the American’s third victory in 24 meetings with the Swiss Master, it had added significance. Federer was on a very impressive 2012 run of 16 consecutive matches that included back-to-back-to-back titles at Rotterdam, Dubai and Indian Wells.

“The game that I played for the break in the third set was one of the best return games I’ve ever played,” he said. “I think I hit four forehand winners. I played well tonight and served really well there at the end.”

In a reversal of roles, Roddick will go from being a huge underdog to a massive favorite in his round of 16 match against Argentinean, Juan Monaco [19/10]. Listed as a 5/13 favorite, the 2003 U.S. Open champ wants to make sure he doesn’t have a letdown after such an emotional victory over the greatest ever.

“Let’s take it for what it’s worth. It probably wasn’t as bad as it seemed two weeks ago and it’s probably not all the way turned around because of one match,” Roddick added. “In 2008, I beat Roger and then lost to (Nikolay) Davydenko in the next round. There’s no script in sports. That’s what makes it the best entertainment in the world. It’s not planned. It would be a little presumptuous to go from people retiring me to all of a sudden talking about winning a Master’s event.”