Monte Carlo  - Roger Federer failed badly to lift his clay game on a grey day as the three-time finalist went out in the third round to Swiss Davis Cup companion Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5 Thursday.

The rain-hit day was a drain on all involved, with matches starting five hours late on the heavy clay.

Federer was well off his game against his good friend, as Wawrinka won for the first time in their series after two ATP defeats.

With the day's programme delayed - the Federer match was interrupted by light rain for around 30 minutes late in the first set - Spain's seventh seed Fernando Verdasco got on and off court in efficient fashion.

The Australian Open semi-finalist hammered Spanish compatriot David Ferrer 6-2, 6-1. German Andreas Beck reached the last eight with a third-set comeback to stop Juan Monaco of Argentina 3-6, 6-2, 7-5. (dpa)