Roger Federer has fallen, 6-2, 7-6 (5), in his semifinal match against Albert Montanes on a cool, rain-soaked day in Estoril. Federer made 50 errors during the match and let slip a 5-2 lead in the second-set tiebreak.
"Conditions were extremely slow [but]... this is the kind of stuff I grew up with in Switzerland," he said. "He's a clay-courter and knows his stuff. He didn't give me much and I struggled from the beginning."
Federer, who has played only four matches on clay so far this season, will now defend his title in Madrid before going on to the French Open, where he is also the defending champion.
The Swiss world No. 1 said Rafael Nadal had to be considered the favorite going into the French Open, but did not discount his own chances.
"I'm not worried, the French is still too far away," he said. "I'm relaxed, a few years ago maybe I would panic."
"My movement is still a bit slow and I need full confidence in that. I'm almost there but I have to do better," he added. "Actually I'm surprised that it's not there as I have put in a lot of hard work."
Montanes, who called the win the best of his career, said, "I just played my game and tried not to be intimidated by playing Federer."