Australian Open - Federer rues lost chances

Eurosport - Sun, 01 Feb 17:58:00 2009

World number two Roger Federer lamented what could have been after he lost a thrilling five-set final to Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open.

TENNIS 2009 Australian Open Roger Federer / Foto EFE - 0

Federer was seeking a record-equalling 14th Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park but ran into a tenacious Nadal who pipped him to the title 7-5 3-6 7-6 3-6 6-2.

"This is one of the matches in my career where I feel like I could have or should have won," a glum-looking Federer, who also lost a classic five-set final at Wimbledon to Nadal last July, said.

"But you can't go through your whole life as a tennis player taking every victory that's out there.

"You've got to live with those (defeats) but they hurt even more so like if you're that close, like at Wimbledon or like here at the Australian Open.

"So that's what's tough about it. But I have no regrets so it's all right."

Federer, who had hoped to equal Pete Sampras's record of 14 Grand Slam titles, converted just six of 19 break opportunities.

"I had, I guess, many chances," he said. "I mean, I was up a break in the first (set) twice.

"Yeah I had many chances. I missed them and they cost me dearly."

Federer also produced a poor service game, making just 52 percent of his first serves, and admitted it was a key factor in the game.

"I won a set against Rafa serving, what, 30 percent first serves?" he said.

"I got a great second serve (which is) very reliable normally (and) I hit some stupid double faults, but that's going to happen in a five set match usually.

"I tried to kind of get the grip on my serve but never really found the rhythm, which was a pity.

"It was a tough match. I don't think I served particularly well and I think that was the key to the match in the end."

Reuters

Comment 5 - 24 of 84

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  1. fed should just chill, his time will @#$%. nad deserves d victory

    From chuks, on Sun 1 Feb 10:56PM

  2. oh my rafa is best face it

    From Leo G, on Sun 1 Feb 10:50PM

  3. He just completely embarrassed himself at the ceremony. Did Federer think how Nadal felt when he lost Wimbledon 2006/2007? Did he think how Murray felt when he lost his 1st grand slam final? Has he ever given a thought to how poor Roddick felt every time he had to stand there after being beaten by Federer in a final? The difference is they all took it like men and let Federer have his moment – and rightly so. Did Federer do that today? No, he thought he would detract from Nadal’s win and humiliate himself by crying like a Sheila – as the Aussies would say. What age is he supposed to be? Grow the hell up. That nasty Nadal ruining Federer’s dream. You know, tough luck as Federer has ruined plenty. I see he was his arrogant self in his PC – ‘’he should have won’. Well, you didn’t and I’m delighted he didn’t. I hope he feels embarrassed when he see the press photos tomorrow and sees the spectacle he made of himself. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.

    From lindy_211, on Sun 1 Feb 10:11PM

  4. FED!! YOUR THE BEST TENNIS PRAYER, I HAVE EVER SEEN!! JUST BADLUCK!!YOU WILL BREAK SAMPRAS RECORD!

    From winter, on Sun 1 Feb 10:05PM

  5. U r just amazing, even when u lost u still inspire millions out there, I still believe that u r the best tennis player that have ever existed on earth. I will continue to support u untill i can't breath any more.

    From Ndubuisi, on Sun 1 Feb 9:49PM

  6. Don't worry Fed,more matches to come..and we're all behind you.U still have the magic.All the luck and God bless!!!

    From alconie s, on Sun 1 Feb 9:12PM

  7. Roger Federer i love you untill i die you are the best player ever i feal for your lost just ceap working dont think about the record to tie with Pete Sampras you will win more slams in the future i just hope you win totall 20 slams becuase you are and you will be allways the best player who playet this game you are my hero.

    From melloextrime, on Sun 1 Feb 8:52PM

  8. i think the final was federer's to take but he played badly on the major points.there were times he was leading 40-0 and 40-15 on nadal's serve but cudnt convert any of them.federer always tends to think that oh! i will miss this point but i will get the next one and that cost him the match..i think he should get a coach that will be good for his confidence.....

    From daka207, on Sun 1 Feb 8:28PM

  9. I am a great fan of Federer.. He is the best tennis player.. Even Nadal has played very well.. But I say that: FEDERER WILL COME BACKK!!

    From SolomonV, on Sun 1 Feb 8:21PM

  10. BEST PLAYER EVER!!
    ROGER FEDERER!!!

    From Stevan, on Sun 1 Feb 8:04PM

  11. Roger wants to break records and i'm sure if he stays determined he will do it, but I do think he really needs a coach, for the confidence if nothing else. Rafa deserved it today, where does the guy find the will to win, he's brilliant?! On the big stage, when they want it, these two are untouchable!

    From justgetsnasty, on Sun 1 Feb 8:00PM

  12. Wake up. Federer gets to 15 majors, just this year, and he'll add to that every year till he retires. Nadal is phenomenal but will burn out in another 18-24 months.

    From Mr Miller, on Sun 1 Feb 7:32PM

  13. Rafa and Serena made them cry

    From Vic M, on Sun 1 Feb 7:29PM

  14. tough luk fred wanted u 2 win

    From Mohammed, on Sun 1 Feb 7:10PM

  15. bad luck fed and i agree he should have won this match in view of the fact that rafa wasnt 100 pct fit after the marathon match against verdasco but that makes rafas victory even more sweet. a 100 pct rafa would have thrashed roger today instead of it being a 5 setter going all the way down to the wire. good luck roger 14 - 15 slams are possible but are going to be very hard to achieve in the new era of rafa nadal.

    From ralph, on Sun 1 Feb 6:59PM

  16. it's alright to cry. Those who question it obviously know nothing about passion about something in their lives. If you don't cry for what you love most that what in the world is crying worth for?
    Regardless rafa is just superb at the moment, and Federer really needs a coach.

    From go, on Sun 1 Feb 6:57PM

  17. ganguryanmary, respect!!!

    From steafan_pepper, on Sun 1 Feb 6:39PM

  18. I'm Rafa's BIG fan!!!!!!!But i wanna wish good luck to Roger!!!!!!!:)

    From ganguryanmary, on Sun 1 Feb 6:26PM

  19. I.m sooooo sad cause he lost this match....I hoped that he will win....but unfortunatley he didn.t.......but he.s the best tennis player that ever existed!!!!I tought I.ll never see him cry....and I wanted 2 cry when I saw him....:)))I have some errors in my writing....sry...:)

    From kikica_no3, on Sun 1 Feb 6:23PM

  20. rafa defeat federer cus he wan fed to continue pursuing tat 14gs record.

    From nthk8, on Sun 1 Feb 6:18PM
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