Tommy Haas left 'speechless' after upsetting Roger Federer on grass

Tommy Haas described himself as "speechless" following his three-set win against Roger Federer in Stuttgart.

The 39-year-old, now the tournament director at Indian Wells, has played eight events this season but had not won consecutive matches until this week. But he handed Federer just his second defeat of the season, coming from behind to take the second-round meeting, 2-6, 7-6 (8), 6-4, in front of a home crowd in Stuttgart.

"I’m a little bit speechless that I beat him today,” Haas, who has fallen to No. 302 in the rankings, said. “It’s been a while since I have won back-to-back matches, and to do it today against Roger is obviously one of my career highlights. At the same time he’s a very close friend of mine, so it doesn't feel like such a celebration.

"…I was happy to be there in front of a German crowd, playing against a friend, an idol, a legend, the greatest ever. It’s fantastic."

Federer's previous defeat this season came against then-No. 116 Evgeny Donskoy in Dubai, where he also had match points.

"It’s quite frustrating, but that’s the way it goes sometimes," said Federer. "He hung around and was able to push me in the second set. In the third set I couldn’t get up to the level I wanted."

But if he had to lose to someone, he’s glad it was Haas.

"If I'm happy for anybody, then it's for Tommy,” Federer said.

Federer, ranked No. 5, was the top seed in Stuttgart. He’s next scheduled to compete in Halle.

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