No 'Fed' alert despite Masters flop

SHANGHAI: Roger Federer refused to hit the panic button after opening his Masters Cup defence with a third shock defeat in four weeks, his worst run as world number one.   

Federer denied he was 'vulnerable' after slumping in three sets to seventh-ranked Chilean Fernando Gonzalez, following consecutive losses in Paris and Madrid to Argentina's David Nalbandian.   

The 26-year-old Swiss, who reached the top of the rankings in February 2004, has not lost so much since May 2003, when he was beaten at Rome, Hamburg and the French Open as a mere world number five.   

But Federer, who has since compiled 12 Grand Slam and three Masters Cup titles in nearly four years at the top, vowed to bounce back in his remaining round-robin matches against Andy Roddick and Nikolay Davydenko.   

"Some players or people might think now 'he's more vulnerable'. I disagree obviously," he said.   

"I'm going to hopefully show them again this week and then obviously next year again."   

Federer has now lost nine times this year, matching his total defeats in the previous two seasons put together. He has been beaten by six different players, the most since 2004.   

Federer had never lost a Masters Cup round robin match in 15, and had given away just two sets to Gonzalez in 10 previous meetings.   

However Federer insisted his game was in good shape, preferring to focus on Gonzalez's astonishing comeback from a set down to win 3-6, 7-6 (7/1), 7-5.   

"You can't do much when he drills it in there in the corners," he said.   

"The backhand, that's what killed me today. He drilled some in the corner, which normally he would never make, and he was going cross-court all the time.   

"And then on the most crucial shots he hit those where he really needed them. It was a pity because I think I was playing exactly the way I should have."   

The defeats will serve as a wake-up call for Federer, who ditched his coach in May and has drastically slimmed down his playing schedule.   

However he has delivered on the big occasions, winning three more Grand Slams and reaching his second French Open final.   

"It's not that easy to keep up the pace I have the last few years. I mean, let's not forget how great they were," he said.   

"It's true maybe I went for more in a run. I won more titles than this year. But I defended my number one title and won the Grand Slams. I don't need to sing a song, but it's been another fantastic season."   

But he said he would consider appointing a coach for next season after parting company with Australian Tony Roche.   

"It's tough to lose a first one. But I'm not going to get too down on myself right now," he said.   

"I'll definitely assess the situation like I normally anyway would at the end of the season, like what do I need for next year."   

Gonzalez meanwhile, revitalised under coaching guru Larry Stefanki, was left to celebrate finally cutting the giant of tennis down to size.   

"It feels good. After 10 times, it's my turn now," said the Chilean.   

"He's already finished number one for three, four years in a row. And it happens, I mean, you have to lose. He's human."