Roger Federer loses to 39-year-old Haas on Stuttgart return

Roger Federer suffered a shock defeat to 39-year-old Tommy Haas at the Stuttgart grass court tournament yesterday in the Swiss great's first match after almost three months out of action

Germany's Tommy Haas (left) with Switzerland Roger Federer after  their Stuttgart Open first round encounter yesterday. Pic/AFP

Roger Federer suffered a shock defeat to 39-year-old Tommy Haas at the Stuttgart grass court tournament yesterday in the Swiss great's first match after almost three months out of action.

Haas, a former world number two but now down at 302, won 2-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-4 for just his fourth victory in 17 meetings against his close friend.

Federer, building up for an assault on an eighth Wimbledon title, hadn't played since March and skipped the entire clay court season.

It was just the second defeat of 2017 for 35-year-old Federer, who claimed the Australian Open for his 18th major in January.

"It's always special to play a close friend like Roger on grass, always lots of emotion," said Haas.

"I saved a match point in the second set so was able to play more freely after that. I even shocked myself," Haas added after his stunning win.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!