World number one Roger Federer was sent crashing out of the Rome Masters on Thursday after suffering a shock straight-sets defeat to unseeded Filippo Volandri.

The 25-year-old Italian delighted his home crowd after ousting the top-seeded Swiss 6-2 6-4 in the third round.

The defeat was Federer's first to any player other than Rafael Nadal on clay since April 2005.

The result was the second surprise in the space of a few hours at the prestigious event after third seed Andy Roddick crashed out 6-0 6-4 to Juan Ignacio Chela earlier in the day.

Federer, who finished as runner-up at this event in 2003 and 2006, was downbeat after failing to get to grips with Volandri in front of a partisan crowd.

Federer said: "Today I couldn't get it together. The crowd and the opponent was tough. The crowd had a lot to cheer because the game was so one-sided.

"It was one of those days. It hasn't happened in a long time because I've been playing so well.

"I don't think it will affect me for the French Open. I've played a good season and shouldn't be rattled by one match."

(Xinhua News Agency May 11, 2007)