Tennis:Rodger Federer has insisted he felt under no extra pressure attempting to create history after he crashed out of the Masters Series at the hands of lucky loser Guillermo Canas in Indian Wells.
The world number one needed six more wins to break Guillermo Vilas' record of 46 consecutive ATP victories but his bid was ended on 41 as Argentine Canas triumphed 7-5 6-2 in the second-round clash.
"I'd rather face it, to be honest," Federer said. "You think it's pressure? It's no pressure at all because I take it match by match.
"I'm concerned about winning my first-round match against a lucky loser. It just shows you how tough it is."
Federer's last defeat came at the hands of British player Andy Murray in the second round of ATP Masters Series in Cincinnati last summer.
That the defeat came against clay court specialist Canas was equally shocking.
Canas broke Federer twice in each set, capitalising on a number of unforced errors. The Swiss never even had a break point opportunity in the second set.
"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."
Canas is the first lucky loser to beat the world's top-ranked player since Sandon Stolle defeated Thomas Muster at Dubai in 1996.