There isn't time to dwell on Roger Federer's defeat though. Up next on Philippe Chatrier we have the most mouth-watering clash so far in the tournament, certainly for the home fans.

World number two Novak Djokovic takes on French number one Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Reports of Roger Federer's decline have often been exaggerated. The 32-year-old may have struggled to make serious inroads in his last few Grand Slams but there has been nothing shameful in any of his defeats so far in 2014.

Lleyton Hewitt, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Kei Nihikori, Stanislas Wawrinka and Jeremy Chardy have inflicted his six previous losses this year.

Patrick Jack:, external Fair play to Gulbis. He served that one out very convincingly & didn't show any sign of pressure in such a big game.

Christian Smith:, external Ernests Gulbis proves once again that on his day he can beat anyone.

Image source, Getty Images

Roger Federer will be happy to see the familiar sight of Wimbledon hoving into view on the calendar.

He has now been knocked out before the quarter-finals in three of his last four Grand Slams.

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5

"I've been watching Ernests Gulbis since 17 here and we saw what potential he had but then he never kicked on.

"He was a bit of a character and it is a shame it took him so long to realise the level he is showing but thankfully he has. He is a charismatic person and it was a fully deserved win.

"The more losses Roger Federer has like this the more players will feel they can beat him more regularly."

Image source, Getty Images

Ernests Gulbis: "It was probably the biggest win of my career. Sorry to the crowd, I know how you all like Roger.

"I have a new coach and it is working good. I hope I won over some of the fans and have a few more when I play Tomas Berdych next."

Ernests Gulbis and Roger Federer exchange a rather cursory handshake at the net. Mirka, wife of Roger, collects together her belongings and for the first time in a long time can plan some family activities for the first week in June.

Big high-fives among the Gulbis camp with coach Gunther Bresnik slapping palms with all.

Philip Studd
BBC Radio 5 live sports commentator

"It is one of the biggest shocks of these championships, make no mistake. Congratulations to Ernests Gulbis, who has achieved the biggest win of his career."

Ernests Gulbis looks like he is trying to stay one step ahead of his nerves, cracking on with the points before he has time to realise that he is on the brink of victory.

They catch up with him at 30-0 up as a forehand flies long and then again as he has to regather his ball toss on the first of two match points.

In the end though it is a Roger Federer error that helps him over the line, a backhand planted between the tramlines.

Roger Federer ensures that Ernests Gulbis will have to do it on his own tee-off. He presses the net and then pulls an ace out of the quiver to seal the game.

What have you got Ernie?

A dream of a double-handed backhand from Ernests Gulbis zeroes in on the whitewash to bring him back to 15-15 and then a popping serve gives him 30-30.

Two shots right out of the top drawer tie up the game for the Latvian, first a ripped forehand winner before a tickled drop-shot that Federer can only watch in dismay.

No signs of the nerves that might be the biggest obstacle for him to overcome. The only thing he has to fear seems to be feat itself.

Philip Studd
BBC Radio 5 live sports commentator

"There is a real sense of tension around the Court Philippe Chatrier and there is not an empty seat around."

Ernest Gulbis looks like he is keeping his powder dry for his next two service games. He isn't going to waste any energy chasing around after the Roger Federer serve, thumping anything within range and not straining to get to anything that isn't.

It is a tactic that gives Federer a hold to love.

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Roland Garros

"A real chill just swept across Chatrier and there was the distant rumble of thunder - someone up there isn't happy. Someone down here isn't too chuffed either, Federer sending a few dark looks in his opponent's direction as Gulbis moves towards the finish line, still glowering like a man on the edge. You get the feeling there's some real needle out there."

Image source, AFP

The trouble for Roger Federer is that he is barely laying a finger on the Ernests Gulbis serve. He never gets hold of a backhand block out wide, the shot drifting aimlessly into the gauze at 30-15.

A regulation groundstroke balloons long on the next point and Gulbis strides to his chair within two games of the biggest win of his career.

Roger Federer gets the embers of his support glowing with a comfortable hold. He is on the board in the fifth set, but trails by a break.

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5

"I think we are in a bit of shock at the way the match is unfolding. This is more than a mini-crisis as this is going to take all his strength to work out a way to get out of this situation."

Philip Studd
BBC Radio 5 live sports commentator

Can Ernests Gulbis hold his nerve for what would be arguably the greatest win of his career?

Philippe Chatrier has the concerned, quiet air of a morgue.

Roger Federer splutters to 0-40 and, although Ernests Gulbis squanders presentable chances on the first two, splatting a forehand and backhand into the net, he is gifted the third via a double fault.

There are errors pock-marking the Federer game now. He flops into the net in the next game and Gulbis has a hold to layer onto of the break.

There have been no such drama on Court Suzanne Lenglen, where Milos Raonic is turning in a clinical display, locking away an early break of serve against Marcel Granollers to take the first set.

Either Jo Wilfried-Tsonga or Novak Djokovic will be the opposition for the winner in the last eight.

Image source, Getty Images