Roddick ends Federer's 16-match winning streak

World number three Roger Federer was feeling the pace of his busy start to the year after suffering a surprise 7-6 1-6 6-4 defeat to Andy Roddick in the Sony Ericsson Open on Monday. The third round loss to the American ended a 16-match winning streak for the Swiss, which included his titles in Rotterdam, Dubai and Indian Wells. "I came out a bit flat today, I was a bit tired, I guess, but it was more mental than physical," the 16-times Grand Slam winner said. "That's maybe 30 matches for the season. I am just feeling like it's taken its toll a bit, which is normal," he said. But, I've played more tired in the past, so this was not the most tired I have ever been, but you just start to feel it a bit. I didn't just get the lucky break today that I got in Indian Wells." After sharing the opening two sets, Roddick saved three break points against his serve in the opening game of the decider, went on to break his opponent immediately and maintained the advantage through to the end of the match. "I have been playing so much. I tried to push myself and gave myself a fighting chance, and then when things were under control, he fought off those break point chances... and had the perfect game after that," Federer added. "I regret missing those opportunities," he said. Roddick, who has slumped to 34th in the world, had his powerful forehand back to its best and was strong on serve, winning 69 per cent of first service points. The win was Roddick's first over a top three player since beating Novak Djokovic in Cincinnati in 2010 and his first against Federer since a 2008 win here at Key Biscayne. "The game that I played for the break in the third set was one of the best return games I've ever played. I think I hit four forehand winners," the 2003 US Open champion said. ‘No script in sports' But Roddick was wary of talking up his chances in the tournament too much. "In 2008, I beat Roger and then lost to [Nikolay] Davydenko in the next round. There's no script in sports. That's what makes it the best entertainment in the world. It's not planned," he said.