INJURED FED CRASHES OUT TO CANAS

Roger Federer failed in his bid to break Guillermo Vilas' ATP Tour record of 46th victories as he was beaten by Guillermo Canas in the second round of Indian Wells.

The world number one and defending champion was seriously injured by a foot injury as he went down 7-5 6-2 to Canas while bidding for a 42nd straight win.

Federer looked uncomfortable throughout, and made frequent calls to the trainer, requiring treatment on his right foot.

And it did not help his cause that Canas, who returned from a 15-month ban in September, was in inspired form.

Canas became the first man to beat Federer since Andy Murray at the Cincinnati Masters in August.

In doing so, he also became the first lucky loser to topple a top seed since Sandon Stolle beat Thomas Muster in Dubai in 1996.

Afterwards Federer refused to blame his defeat on injury and said he was proud to have enjoyed such a long winning sequence.

"It was just a grind for me from the start," the three-time defending champion added.

"I was struggling but it was tough. The first match is always difficult, but I've had an incredible run, not losing an opening game for, I think, over two years.

"So I'm really happy about that. Sooner or later it had to happen, so it's okay. It's no problem."