Federer express comes off the rails

Inconsistency has dogged Roger Federer in his short career and that was perfectly illustrated today when the world number five was sent packing from the French Open by a virtual unknown from Peru.

World number 88 Luis Horna, a 22-year-old right-hander from Lima who Federer hammered in the Miami Masters Series event only two months ago, avenged that defeat on the grand stage of Roland Garros, winning 7-6 (8/6) 6-2 7-6 (7/3).

The 21-year-old Swiss Federer, who turned pro five years ago, has flattered to deceive on numerous occasions and that was certainly the case this time.

He came into the Grand Slam as one of the hottest players on tour with tournament victories at Marseille, Dubai and Munich.

Federer also reached the final of the Masters Series event in Rome.

But Horna, who last year became the first player from his country to break into the world’s top 100 since Jaime Yzaga, a Peruvian who made it to number 31 nine years ago, proved to be too good this time and he will face Dutchman Martin Verkerk in the second round.