Sergiy Stakhovsky celebrates after beating Roger Federer in their second round men’s singles match at Wimbledon. (AFP/Getty Images)
LONDON — Seven-time champion Roger Federer was stunned by 116th-ranked Sergiy Stakhovsky in the second round of Wimbledon yesterday, his earliest loss in a Grand Slam tournament in 10 years.
The 27-year-old Ukrainian outplayed Federer on Centre Court, serving and volleying his way to a 6-7 (5), 7-6 (5), 7-5, 7-6 (5) victory that stands out as one of the biggest upsets in Grand Slam history.
“Magic,” Stakhovsky said. “I couldn’t play any better today.”
Federer’s loss ended his record streak of reaching at least the quarterfinals at 36 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments, a run that began at Wimbledon in 2004, shortly after a third-round exit at that year’s French Open.
“It’s always a disappointment losing any match around the world, and particularly here,” Federer said.
The owner of a record 17 major championships, Federer had not been beaten in the second round or earlier since a first-round defeat at the 2003 French Open.
The 31-year-old Federer said he won’t “panic” and will work hard to come back stronger.
“I’m looking forward to what’s to come,” he said. “Looking forward to next year, that I can do better next year.”
Federer’s shocking defeat was his earliest at the All England Club since a first-round loss in 2002 to No. 154-ranked Mario Ancic. Stakhovsky is the lowest-ranked player to beat Federer at any event since.
The match ended with Stakhovsky converting on his second match point, a 13-stroke rally that finished with Federer hitting a backhand wide.
Stakhovsky fell onto his back in celebration. He later bowed to the crowd as Federer walked off the court with a quick wave.
“I’m still in disbelief,” Stakhovsky said.
Federer’s defeat was the biggest shock on a day full of them.
Earlier, third-seeded Sharapova, the 2004 Wimbledon champion, was stunned 6-3, 6-4 by 131st-ranked Michelle Larcher de Brito of Portugal in the second round.
Sharapova slipped and fell several times on the grass on Court 2 and received medical treatment from the trainer in the second set.
It wasn’t serious enough to force Sharapova to quit, as so many others did Wednesday either by walkover or mid-match retirements.
Among the casualties: second-seeded Victoria Azarenka (walkover, right knee), men’s No. 6 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (retirement, left knee), John Isner (retirement, left knee) and Steve Darcis (walkover, right shoulder). Darcis was the man who stunned two-time champion Rafael Nadal in the first round Monday.