Federer fails to win 17th straight

Andy Roddick beat Roger Federer for only the third time in their 24 meetings, dominating with his serve to win 7-6 (4), 1-6, 6-4 on Monday in the third round at the Miami Masters 1000 Open.

Roddick broke serve only once but held every service game in the first and last sets. After falling behind 15-30 in the final game, he closed out the victory with an ace and two service winners.

On paper, it looked like a mismatch between former number ones, each a two-time champion in the event.

The third-ranked Federer began the night 40-2 since his US Open semi-final and had won 16 matches in a row, while Roddick was ranked 34th, the lowest he has been since 2001.

Roddick also ended Federer’s streak of 77 consecutive wins against players outside the top 20.

“I feel like I lost against a former number one, not that I lost against a guy ranked 30 in the world,” Federer said. “I’m happy to see Andy play really well. He’s a great champion, and enjoy him while you have him. It was a great night for him and America’s tennis.”