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Agence France-Presse

Reuters

Roger Federer won’t go for a 21st Grand Slam title at the French Open, with the 36-year-old Swiss great saying on Saturday he’ll skip the clay-court season.
Federer, who opted out of the clay season last year, confirmed the plan after falling 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to Australian qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round of the Miami Masters.
“I decided not to play the clay season,” said Federer, who won his 20th Grand Slam tournament at the Australian Open in January, but will lose the world number one ranking to Rafael Nadal after his shock defeat.

It was the second loss in six days for the Swiss champion, who was beaten by Juan Martin del Potro in the Indian Wells final.
Kokkinakis, ranked 175th in the world, used a vicious topspin forehand to wear down the defending champion and claim an upset victory in front of a stunned near-capacity crowd.
Roger Federer, 36, becomes oldest world number one in ATP rankings history
Kokkinakis, 21, born in Australia to Greek parents, only got into the Miami qualifiers on a wild card but he displayed the talent that has long had him earmarked as one to watch, improving the longer the match progressed.
Federer looked to be taking care of business as usual when he broke Kokkinakis in the fourth game of the opening set.
There were few danger signs for 20-times grand slam champion Federer until he was broken to love in the fourth game of the second set as his first serve deserted him.

Sensing vulnerability, Kokkinakis pounced and the whole tone of the match shifted.
He won the set on serve to cursory applause and the decider was finely balanced throughout.
Kokkinakis displayed poise beyond his years to go toe-to-toe with the 36-year-old Federer and dominated the tiebreak, winning on a second serve that Federer sent into the net.
Kokkinakis let out a primal scream as the small Australian contingent in the crowd celebrated, leaving Federer to walk off the Crandon Park court for the final time, before the event moves to a new venue next year.


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ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals)

Federer upset in Miami and then announces he is skipping the French Open

Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a forehand against Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia at the Miami Open on March 24, 2018. Kokkinakis won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4). Photo: USA Today

Mar 24, 2018; Key Biscayne, FL, USA; Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia reaches for a backhand against Roger Federer of Switzerland (not pictured) on day five of the Miami Open at Tennis Center at Crandon Park. Kokkinakis won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 24: Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts to a lost point against Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia during his loss on Day 6 of the Miami Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 24, 2018 in Key Biscayne, Florida. Al Bello/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Sport

Tennis