Roger Federer has conceded a limited preparation, forced by a stomach illness the week before the Australian Open, may have impacted his lethargic display against Novak Djokovic, resulting a straight sets defeat.
“It might have had an effect on my movement, but I definitely didn’t feel as quick,” Federer said after his first three set loss in a major since the 2004 French Open.
“Obviously the approach has been unique this year. It’s the first time I’ve been ill before a grand slam.
“There’s no doubt I’ve played better in my life, that’s for sure.”
Federer opened a 5-3 lead in the opening set, before falling in horror slump, conceding nine of the next ten games. The Swiss master constantly erred on the simplest of shots, while at the other end Djokovic smelled blood. Federer admitted his form through the tournament – which almost ended at the hands of Janko Tipsarevic in the third round – never reached its usual peak.
“I think I played really well (in) the first two matches, in terms of movement also. I don’t know if the surface got a bit quicker. I definitely wasn’t as good on the defensive like I usually am. I couldn’t come up with the passing shot when I needed to. That definitely hurt me, especially today.”
While Federer was off his game, he had his chances, creating several break points. Most were scuppered by Djokovic’s reliable serve, although the world number one butchered others in his own right.
“Definitely didn’t play my best on big points,” Federer said. “That’s been sort of something that’s stuck with me throughout the championships.”
“Look, it happens.”
Djokovic has a history of getting nervous in big moments of big matches, with tension noticeably arriving in the first set, leading to Federer’s break. Once Federer gave that break back, Djokovic’s nerves disappeared.
“It cost me the match, maybe not serving it out the first set,” Federer said. “That’s what happens sometimes when you don’t take your chances early on - you’ll pay the price later on.”
“He did play well and served really well when he had to.”
Federer was loathe to suggest Djokovic is a vastly superior player to the 2007 version, which Federer dismantled with ease in the US Open final.
“I think he’s played pretty much the same, you know, for the last let’s say nine months or so, or last year.”
So, who does Federer think will win the final between Djokovic and unseeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga?
“I don’t care really.”
Will Roger even watch the match on television?
“No, I won’t.”
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