Federer applauds Del Potro: “I didn’t deserve to win”
Roger Federer, foiled once again one match from a first-ever US Open match against Rafael Nadal, said he just didn't deserve to beat Juan Martin del PotroRyder Cup 2018 final day: Europe vs USA, Sunday singles
Roger Federer, foiled once again one match from a first-ever US Open match against Rafa Nadal, said he just didn't deserve to beat Juan Martín del Potro in the rematch of their epic 2009 final.
Del Potro bring's Federer run to an end
The Swiss third seed and 19-time Grand Slam champion was sent packing by Argentine 28th seed Del Potro 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-4 on Wednesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The South American meets Nadal on Friday for a berth in Sunday's final.
“I feel I have no place in the semis and he will have a better chance to beat Rafa, to be honest. The way I played or am playing right now, it's not good enough in my opinion to win this tournament. It's better I'm out and somebody else gets a chance to do better than me”, a resigned Federer said afterwards.
On the same court where Del Potro ended Federer's five-year title run and 40-match win streak, the reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion said, Juan Martín “fought like a lion”.
And the ruined possible first-ever New York duel between Federer and Nadal, which had been a focus of attention headed into the match, was an afterthought to Federer in the wake of a comprehensive loss. “I didn't even think about it, as I lost that match, that it's not going to happen”, Federer continued, adding, “I'm dealing with just trying to understand what happened and just to overcome this in the next few hours, days, weeks, whatever it is. I'll be fine. Of course it is a pity, but Juan Martin deserves it more”.
Federer made 41 unforced errors, nine more than his rival, and some of them were woefully off target and well off the court. “I tried until the very end”, he added. “And smashing certain stuff in the net that I normally wouldn't, smashing forehand volleys into the back fence, I mean, that stuff sucked. You know, honestly, it was terrible”.
The 36-year-old Swiss said that he isn't too crushed after two Slam titles about the disappointing defeat. “It should hurt, and it does, rightfully so, but I think my perspective at this age and with the season I've had is easier to grasp faster, so I'll be fine quickly. Sure, I would have liked to do more here, especially with the year that I had. It has been tough, you know, so it's all right. I'm out of this tournament because I wasn't good enough in my mind, my body and my game”.