Roger Federer loses in second round of Paris Masters

The 15-time Grand Slam champion still has never been further than the quarterfinals in seven appearances.

“He played incredible at the end. Julien went out and got the victory,” said Federer, who refused to give excuses. “I definitely had chances. I missed them. I feel fine physically, and mentally I was fresh to do really well here.”

Federer's exit capped a dramatic day at the Bercy arena, where Rafael Nadal saved five match points to beat Spanish compatriot Nicolas Almagro, and former three-time champion Marat Safin bid farewell to the tennis circuit.

Federer took the first set when Benneteau's backhand return hit the net, but the Frenchman found his range in the second set and dominated the tiebreaker, leveling the match with a low return that landed just inside the baseline.

“I didn't have my rhythm from the baseline. Every time I had a chance he was winning the point,” Federer said.

Boosted by the first set he'd taken off Federer in three matches, Benneteau forced mistakes on Federer's backhand as the Swiss star rushed his shots. Benneteau broke early and then held to lead 3-1.

Federer missed his chance in the fifth game when Benneteau saved two break points, and then held for 4-2.

Benneteau smacked a two-handed crosscourt winner past a startled Federer to set up two match points, acing the first one and falling to the floor in tears. Federer contested the call but was already at the net and ready to shake hands when the call was upheld.

The early loss, however, does give Federer more time to prepare for the ATP World Tour Finals in London this month.

“I hope I can at least make a good run there, because I really feel like I have some good tennis left in me,” Federer said. “Not going to let my head hang after this tournament.”

Fourth-seeded Andy Murray fired 21 aces in beating James Blake of the United States 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (4) in a match which finished long after midnight. Neither player could break the other in the last two sets.

Playing his last ATP event before retiring, Safin treated the crowd at the Bercy arena - as he had so often since 1999- to some terrific baseline winners, a fine touch at the net and strong first serves. But he had to bow to U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

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