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Federer crashes out of Monte Carlo Masters to Melzer

Roger Federer toiled during his quarterfinal defeat to Jurgen Melzer in Monte Carlo.
Roger Federer toiled during his quarterfinal defeat to Jurgen Melzer in Monte Carlo.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Roger Federer beaten in quarterfinals of Monte Carlo Masters by Jurgen Melzer
  • Melzer wins 6-4 6-4 to earn a semifinal meeting with Spain's David Ferrer
  • Rafael Nadal crushes Ivan Ljubicic to stay on course for seventh straight Monte Carlo crown
  • Andy Murray next up for World No.1 after he beat Frederico Gil 6-2 6-1

(CNN) -- World number three Roger Federer exited the Monte Carlo Masters at the quarterfinals stage to Austrian Jurgen Melzer Friday.

Melzer was securing his first victory over the 16-time grand slam champion as he ran out a 6-4 6-4 winner at the prestigious clay court event.

It was the earliest defeat for Federer in a tournament this year, ending his hopes of claiming the Monte Carlo title for the first time after being beaten three times in the final by Rafael Nadal.

He has drawn blank since claiming the ATP season-opener in Doha, Qatar.

Federer had breezed to the last eight, but was always struggling against Melzer in blustery conditions.

Many things went well for me, my shots worked well. When he had break points I was calm and served well
--Jurgen Melzer
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Melzer broke for 3-2 in the opening set after an errant Federer forehand and held on to close it out.

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The second followed a similar pattern, with Federer unable to capitalize on his seven break points in the match as the seventh seed went through.

Melzer was delighted to finally get past his old nemesis in such convincing fashion.

"He beat me three times last year and I didn't even win a set," he told AFP.

"But many things went well for me, my shots worked well. When he had break points I was calm and served well.

"I did well on the big points and played my game."

Federer shrugged off his defeat as he now takes a two-week break before the Madrid Masters in his build-up to the French Open next month.

"I don't think I played terrible, it was OK. Obviously, it was still the first week of clay, so I don't expect myself to play my very best. If I had, it would be a pleasant surprise," said the second seed.

Melzer will now play world number six David Ferrer after the Spaniard saw off 11th Viktor Troicki of Serbia 6-3 6-3 in an earlier match Friday.

There was no stopping world number one Rafael Nadal, bidding for his seventh straight title in Monte Carlo, as he swept aside Croatian Ivan Ljubicic 6-1 6-3 to reach the last four.

Nadal will face off against Britain's Andy Murray for a place in Sunday's final after the number three seed continued his fine run with a 6-1 6-2 dismissal of Portuguse qualifier Frederico Gil in just over an hour.