With a record of 21-2 against Andy Roddick, Roger Federer who has been in superb form this season should have taken care of his rival in the third round. Instead, Roddick upended Federer 7-6,1-6,6-4 to advance to the fourth round at the Sony Ericsson Open.

The last time Roddick was victorious over Federer was a night session also at the Miami Masters in 2008. Since then, Federer has won their six meetings including a heartbreaker in the final of Wimbledon in 2009.

In the third game of the opening set, Federer had double break point. But, Roddick did not flinch and eventually held. With no further break chances for either player, the first set went to a tiebreaker.

Roddick connected with a forehand pass for a winner to get the crucial mini-break for 5-3. That was sufficient for Roddick to carry the first set.

Federer came out blazing in the second set converting an early break point for 2-1. Moreover, Federer broke two more times to push the match to a decisive set.

After holding serve to start the third set, with a backhand volley winner, Federer arrived at 0-40. But, Roddick found the exit, saving a fourth break point for 1 all.

Next, with three winners, Roddick manufactured triple break point of his own. Roddick capitalized by striking a forehand pass for a winner.

With Federer unable to fabricate any further break point opportunities, Roddick went on to claim the match and a spot in the fourth round.

Up next for Roddick is Juan Monaco. The Argentine ousted 14th seed Gael Monfils 4-6,6-3,6-4.