Roger Federer sent packing out of Miami

World number one Roger Federer was sent crashing out of the ATP and WTA Masters tournament dropping a 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (8/6) fourth round marathon match to Czech Tomas Berdych.

The reigning Australian Open champion yesterday suffered just his second loss to Berdych in 10 career meetings.

Berdych, the 16th seed, hammered six aces and won 67 percent of his first service points in the two hour, 51 minute match on the hardcourts at Crandon Park. Six-time Grand Slam champ Rafael Nadal and American Andy Roddick were two of eight seeded players to advance to the quarterfinals.

Nadal, who is playing in just his fourth tournament of the season, outlasted fellow Spaniard David Ferrer 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. “With each round it gets more difficult,” Nadal said. “I had my moments today but I also had moments where I made more mistakes than usual but it was an important win.”

Nadal next faces Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, against whom he owns a 4-1 lead in their head-to-head series. Former champion Roddick continued his mastery over Benjamin Becker by beating the unseeded German 7-6 (6/4), 6-3.