Federer not too downbeat

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:48

The Swiss world number one’s five-set loss to the 20-year-old Argentinian at Flushing Meadows was one of the sporting upsets of the year, bringing to an end a five-title, 40-match run of victories at the final grand slam of the year.

“Five was great, four was great, too. Six would have been a dream,” Federer said. “(You) can’t have them all. I’ve had an amazing summer and a great run. I’m not too disappointed just because I thought I played another wonderful tournament.”

He added: “I had chances to win but couldn’t take them. It was unfortunate.”

Yet despite his Arthur Ashe Stadium disappointment on Monday night, Federer said he had much to take comfort from after an otherwise remarkable year.

After losing the Australian Open final in January, the 28-year-old celebrated a first French Open championship in June to complete a career Grand Slam, and then won a sixth Wimbledon to pass Pete Sampras as the all-time leading grand slam title winner with 15, in the process regaining the number one ranking after a 46-week period when Rafael Nadal ruled the roost.

Not only that, but Federer was also married, to long-time girlfriend and manager Mirka Vavrinec, and in July became a father for the first time to twin girls.

“It was an unbelievable run,” he said. “Being in all the major finals and winning two of those, losing the other two in five sets.

“Sure, I would have loved to win those two as well. Being so close, I think I was two points from the match. That’s the way it goes sometimes.

“But the year has been amazing already and it’s not over yet. I got married and had kids, I don’t know how much more I want.”

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