Dubai: World number two and former four-time winner Roger Federer is not looking too critically at his missed opportunity after falling in the final against Novak Djokovic at the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open late on Saturday.
"This was a missed match for me really. It started bad and then things were over in a hurry. I never really get into the match and even if I had done, then there would have been no cushion," Federer told reporters after falling in straight sets before a packed stadium. "I think Novak played well, but obviously it was a disappointing end to the match. I guess you can't win them all. I played so well in Doha in the finals [January], in London in the finals [November], in Basel in the finals [November]. I guess I had to mess one up. It's a pity, but, look, Novak played great," Federer complimented.
"I can't play great every time either. So it's been a tough one, but I'm not too disappointed. It's another final for me. I tried, but just didn't really happen for me tonight. But it's better than the last few years here in Dubai. I didn't play many matches here the last few years. So this is big going into Indian Wells and Miami with a bit more tennis and confidence really," Federer added.
Enough optimism
That result aside — and coupled with his semi-final loss to Djokovic at this year's Australian Open — Federer still sees enough optimism in his game.
"I will have a few days off and then a few days preparation, and then fly over to the West coast and get ready over there. So there is not that much time. But there is enough time to sort of relax from having played five days in-a-row again," Federer said. "Thank God my first couple of matches weren't brutal physically, so I didn't take away too much muscle pain from it. That's why I actually ended up playing the tournament feeling actually fine, which I'm happy about," he smiled. "So, I won't need as much rest maybe as predicted after having played five days."
And as he prepares for the tougher ones in the US starting with the BNP Paribas in Indian Wells (from March 10) followed by the Sony Ericsson Open (from March 23) in Miami, Federer knows exactly what he needs to take things up to the next level. "I feel like I need more practice, just a little bit here and there. I mean, it's going to be different conditions again."
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