The Hindu : Sport / Tennis : Federer beatable, says Gonzalez

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Monday, Jan 29, 2007
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Federer beatable, says Gonzalez

MELBOURNE: Fernando Gonzalez still believes Roger Federer is beatable despite the Swiss master cruising past him to win the Australian Open final on Sunday.

Gonzalez acknowledged Federer was probably on his way to becoming the best tennis player ever but said he had seen enough to suggest there may be chinks in his armour.

``I have the tennis to be number one but Roger is really far away now, so I have to be ready for it when Roger goes down a little bit,'' he said.

``He's a great champion, he played a really good match today, through the whole week and almost during the whole of his life.''

The 26-year-old Chilean, who will return to his homeland for a tournament and a Davis Cup tie following his Melbourne campaign, said he still believed he could reach the top ranking.

Asked if Federer was beatable, he replied: ``Yeah, of course. But it's tough, really tough... but every match is a new match, so I have to try next match.''

Gonzalez went into the decider in red-hot form but said he regretted not taking his chances after failing to convert two set points in the opening set before the world number one rolled over him.

Asked if he thought Federer could win Roland Garros, the Chilean replied: "I think so. He made the final last year. He lost to (Rafael) Nadal. But he can do it. Nadal is really tough on clay. But Federer has been playing really well over the last few years."

The tournament tenth seed, who has lost 10 times to Federer, said he needed to attack his opponent early and exploit any opening on offer.

``He was missing a little bit with his forehand and he gave me the chance in the first set,'' he said.

``I didn't do too much and he gave me that chance (but) I didn't take it.

``It would have been different if I had won the first set. Maybe I would have lost in four sets (but) every time I play Roger, I have never won the first set. So maybe that's a key.''

Gonzalez said it was tough to lose his first Grand Slam final but he was pleased with the form that took him into the decider. — Agencies

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