Federer's winning streak ends

Roger Federer's run of 41 consecutive victories has come to an end after a straight sets defeat in the Masters Series event at Indian Wells.

The world number one lost 7-5 6-2 to Argentina's Guillermo Canas in the second round of the tournament.

Federer had been given a bye in the first round so the Canas defeat was his first loss in an opening round match since he was beaten by Dominik Hrbaty in Cincinatti in August 2004.

Federer said: "It was just a grind for me from the start. I was struggling but it was tough. The first match is always difficult, but I've had an incredible run, not losing an opening game for, I think, over two years.

"So I'm really happy about that. Sooner or later it had to happen, so it's okay. It's no problem."

It was the first time Federer had lost any match since he was beaten by Andy Murray in August and the defeat ends Federer's challenge to the all-time record of 46 consecutive ATP Tour wins set by Guillermo Vilas in 1977.

The victory proved Canas is back to his best after a 15-month doping suspension.

He returned to action five months ago and was appearing in his first Masters Series tournament since he came back.

Canas said: "It's a dream. I didn't expect it. I'm confident in my game but I knew it was gonna be tough.

"It's great, because the last five months for me has been fun. It's my first Master Series after I've started playing again and to beat the world number one, and to play like this, is great for me and it's given me a lot of confidence that I can finish this year in the top 20."

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