Spaniard Martinez Sanchez stands in the way of Jankovic's third title at Foro Italico, after the 26th-ranked Spaniard's serve-and-volley game proved too strong for former world number one Ivanovic - now ranked 58.

BBC: Jelena Jankovic beats Serena Williams in Rome

It was Federer's first opening round loss at the Foro Italico since losing to Andrea Gaudenzi in 2002 -- and the first time since the 2000 Monte Carlo Masters that the Swiss maestro had lost his first clay-court match of the season.

CNN: Gulbis shocks Federer in Rome Masters

Elsewhere at the Foro Italico, rising Polish player Jerzy Janowicz upset eighth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 7-6 (5) and celebrated by ripping his shirt apart and tossing the pieces to the crowd.

WSJ: Back Might Keep Andy Murray Out of French Open Tennis