Error-prone Federer makes early Paris exit

By Patrick Vignal

PARIS (Reuters) - World number one Roger Federer slumped to a surprise 3-6 7-6 6-4 defeat by unheralded Frenchman Julien Benneteau in the second round of the Paris Masters on Wednesday.

Top seed Federer, who had a first-round bye, made unusual unforced errors to fall to the unseeded Benneteau, ranked 49th in the world.

The elegant Swiss, who has never advanced past the quarter-finals of the indoor event, started well but then struggled, losing the second set in a tiebreak and falling a break down early in the third set.

Cheered on by a partisan crowd, Benneteau, who has never won an ATP singles title, took his chances and hit some amazing winners.

He sealed victory with an ace on the first match point to set up a third-round match against his compatriot Gael Monfils.

"I can definitely play much better but I can also play much worse," said Federer.

"It wasn't a bad performance. I think Julien went out and got the victory. I definitely had chances. I missed them.

"I'm not looking for excuses," added the Swiss, who asked for a challenge on match point, which confirmed Benneteau's serve was in.