Roger Federer shrugged off his 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 6-4 semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic, with the Swiss saying he’s looking forward eagerly to the continuation of the 2011 season.
“I thought he played a great match, I didn’t think I played bad myself, so it was a match played at a very high intensity for a long period of time,” said Federer.
“Clearly it’s disappointing to lose, but what to do if he plays well on the big points, and potentially maybe I didn’t. It was a tough match.
“I’m feeling really good considering how intense it was. It was a three-hour match over three sets and I don’t take much time in between points. It’s maybe even a longer match if you like.”
The Swiss was quick to admit he was outplayed by Djokovic who also beat him the 2008 Australian Open and 2010 US Open semifinals. “I feel OK because I’m healthy. I wish I had a chance on Sunday, but Novak was the better player tonight. You got to accept that and move on from here.
“It’s not the end in any way. It’s a start for many other tournaments after this. I wish I could have won here again for the fifth time, but wasn’t possible tonight.”
Despite his good humour, Federer was quick to laugh off Australian television speculation that somehow his and Rafa’s losses marked the end of an era.
Sunday’s final between Djokovic and Ferrer or Andy Murray is the first Grand Slam final since Australia 2008 to feature neither Federer nor Nadal. “They say that very quickly, let’s talk in six months again,” said Federer.
“I feel very good, I’m very optimistic about the next 15 tournaments, however many I’m playing. I’ve barely lost matches lately really, so I’m happy with where my game is at, with where my condition is at. “I’m really excited for what’s to come. I’m playing well, tonight I just ran into a player who was a bit better than me.”
