Federer stunned by Canas again

MIAMI, Mar 28 (Reuters) Roger Federer suffered a stunning 7-6 2-6 7-6 defeat by Guillermo Canas in the Sony Ericsson Open fourth round the world number one's second loss to the Argentine in successive tournaments.

Canas, who snapped Federer's 41-match winning streak at Indian Wells two weeks ago, battled the Swiss defending champion for two hours 38 minutes in a riveting Stadium court duel that ended when the Argentine sealed victory with a service winner yesterday.

Back on the ATP Tour after serving a 15-month doping ban, Canas joins select company, becoming just the fifth player to record back-to-back wins over Federer who lost only two hard court matches all last season.

Canas will now meet sixth seed Tommy Robredo of Spain who advanced to the final eight with an equally tough 7-6 5-7 7-6 win over Czech Radek Stepanek.

REUTERS PDS BST0546