Wimbledon June 18 2011 Roger Federer

An interview with:

           

ROGER FEDERER

            Q.  You might get to see what it's like to play under the roof, forecast for the next couple of days.  What is your view on Wimbledon under the roof?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, it's something unusual, which we don't get.  I mean, I'm not so used to it, even though in Halle I got an opportunity to play in some of the grass court matches under the roof.  I think even one of them was the finals.  During the finals they closed the roof while we were playing.  So I've been there.

            But then again, Wimbledon is a different centre court, so definitely take some getting used to in the beginning.  Be interesting to see if once they close the roof it stays that way even if it becomes beautiful again in the afternoon, if they just use it to finish the match, so forth.

            It will be interesting to see.  I honestly thought it was going to be a bit of a rainy Wimbledon this year.  The spring was just too nice all over Europe it seems.  We'll find out the next couple weeks how it's going to be.

            Q.  How would you describe the strength of the top four seeds compared to any year that you've been here?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Uhm, well, I just think all four guys at the top right now feel very comfortable on grass; whereas maybe in the beginning Rafa was still looking a little bit for how good he was on grass.  We all knew he was good on clay, you know, excellent on clay really, very good on hard courts, and grass you just never really get a chance to really prove yourself.

            I think as time went by, he showed how good he was; won a couple times here in the meantime.  And Murray's game is very natural for this surface.  I think Djokovic has always been great, but nothing extraordinary yet.  But with the run he's on, obviously there's a lot of possibilities for him as well here.

            I think that's maybe something that's a bit different than maybe in the past, where maybe one of the top four guys wouldn't feel so comfortable on grass.  But this year it seems like all of us are, which is a good thing.

            Q.  If you're not here, if you close your eyes, what images come to you of Wimbledon?  What has etched itself in your head after all these years at Wimbledon?  Is there nook or cranny or a favorite place here that you love more than anything?

            ROGER FEDERER:  For me it's the moment when I lift the Wimbledon trophy really.  That's the picture I see.  Like if you say, if I close my eyes and stuff, that's the moment I see and I feel the strongest.

            All the hard work, you know, during the year almost, and then also, you know, in the preparation and just staying focused and strong till the very end, to be able to lift up the trophy is a wonderful feeling.  That's the picture I see.

            Q.  What does that trophy feel like?  Is it heavy?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, it's just the right size and the right heaviness really.  Doesn't feel too light or impossible to lift.  It's really good.  It's very nice (smiling).

            Q.  Another record could loom here this year for you.  Is the setting of records something you actively pursue, or do you let other people be concerned about something like that?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Which record do you mean?

            Q.  If you win seven Wimbledons, could be level with Sampras.

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, I mean, there's always something on the line at this point when I play the Grand Slams just because I have the record already.  So I could push it one forward or I could tie with Sampras here.  It's obviously something very special and important at this point really.

            I feel good about myself, about my body.  I've recovered.  The last week, you know, was vital for me to recover from my groin injury.  I feel like I'm almost back at 100% again, which is a really good sign for Wimbledon.

            After that, you know, I hope I get into the tournament a bit better than last year where I almost lost in the first round.  That's the concern I have right now, not trying to break all these different records.

            I mean, it's nice they're somewhat close, but still they're far.  I still have a lot of work to put in these next couple of weeks.

            Q.  Having said that, you have the best record at these Championships than anybody of the contemporary players.  One imagines that when you come here after the French Open you had, you have a real sense of prospects and destiny this fortnight.

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, I mean, I don't know.  I think I've been playing well for the last year really.  I mean, I had a wonderful end of the season last year.  I started well at the beginning of the season.

            Clay went fine.  You know, I thought I played well, but didn't play maybe extraordinary sort of in Monaco and Rome.

            Madrid was good, and Paris obviously was very good.  I think I've always played at a very good, high level all the way through.  I didn't have sort of terrible matches.  I mean, I missed a few matches, like maybe the Rafa semis in Miami or the Novak finals in Dubai.  That's against world‑class players, who if you don't get a good start to the match, next thing be you know it's over in a hurry.

            So I've had a very good year last year.  I'm happy about my game, and I am happy it showed in Paris.  I played a wonderful match against Novak, and also all the other matches before that were good.  Obviously I come into this tournament very confident.

            Yeah, it was funny.  The first time I hit here on Monday, very easily, like right away after 10 minutes, it feels so natural for me to play on grass.  I hope that feeling is going to pay off by going deep and then hopefully winning the tournament here.

            Q.  What are your thoughts on the rematch of last year's marathon between Isner and Mahut?

            ROGER FEDERER:  I mean, obviously everybody, from all the players, couldn't believe that was the case.  You're like, Is that really the draw?  You really want to see in black and white if it's the case.  I guess now it's tricky because many people are going to expect something similar, which is basically impossible.

            I mean, so there's a big burden on them right now.  In some ways, I wish that was the only match they played.  Right away there's this rematch; it's a bit awkward.  Still, I think it's great for tennis.  It's a great buzz.  It was an amazing story last year.

            They would have had a bit of a focus this year anyway coming back, but with the rematch, it gives Mahut a chance to redeem himself from last year.

            I mean, it will be followed very closely from the players' side.

            Q.  What do you remember most from last year's match?

            ROGER FEDERER:  It was a classical match that went the distance.  It's a big serving contest; that's it.  I remember ‑‑ I think I went on court when they were midway through the fifth set.  I finished a tough four‑setter on Court 1, came back, and they were stuck at 30‑All, 30‑All.

            Then obviously I watched a bit at the end, did some press, came back, and watched again.  Then it got interrupted again.  Then the following day we were all glued to the TV at that point obviously.  But the first sort of five hours nobody cared too much.  It's the next five that made the news.

            Yeah, it was something very special and unbelievable.  They know that.  We know that.  It's nice that it's possible in tennis.

            Q.  If you play as well here as you did against Djokovic in Paris, can you see yourself beating him again on grass this time and going on to win the whole thing?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yes, I do.  But I didn't necessarily need to prove my point in Paris for my mind or for my confidence.  I know I can beat Novak on any surface.  I've done that in the past.  Just because he's on a great winning streak doesn't mean he's unbeatable.

            That was my mindset going into the match in Paris.  I played really well.  I was able to play well in the key moments.  Here at Wimbledon anyway I'm even more confident.  I think I'm a better player than in Paris, so I expect myself to do really well here, even better maybe.

            Q.  You just practiced with Tommy Haas.  I know you're good friends.  I want to know, do you think he will make it back to the top where he had been after such a long injury?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Back to the top would be No. 2 in the world for him.  I mean, that's obviously a long way to go.  At this point, I think it would be nice for him to get back in the top 50, back in the top 20.  That would be something very nice.

            I think he told me now this has been like the first week he's actually been feeling better again in a long time.  He's had aches and pains all around since Munich really when he played the doubles.  So that was nice to hear.

            I think if he's able to play without any pain for the next few months, then obviously there is a chance.  If that's not the case, then it's going to be extremely hard.  With all the rehab, the injuries he's had, it's going to be very difficult I think mentally.

            But he seems happy.  I think his wife is a great supporter of him.  I think that's already a good thing.  He's got a nice daughter as well, so I think that can inspire him, too.  I think things are much better for him than they were a year ago.

            Q.  You play here with the expectation of being the champion for all those years.  Can you imagine with what you see and witness here what it's like for Andy Murray with the expectation of an entire nation here at Wimbledon?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Well, he's not the defending champion, so he doesn't face that pressure.  Even though that would be a nicer pressure to face, I would think.  That means you've already won the tournament.

            I think he's done well.  I think the people expect him to sort of make the semis.  It would be great if he were to win the tournament.  I think that's the mindset of many people, and himself as well.

            So I don't think people are getting too ahead of themselves.  I think it's more the media expecting him to finally win a Grand Slam.  Lendl lost many Grand Slam finals before he won his first.

            To me, I think he's way good enough to win a Grand Slam.  To me it's just a matter of time.  He'll definitely have, what, another eight years, ten years of chances to win Wimbledon.  It would be nice if he won it this year for him and the British fans.

            Right now it's all tough because the top five, six guys are playing well.  You have all the other guys moving around in the draws.  I didn't see his draw yet, to be honest.  I'd be surprised if he falls early.  That's just my opinion.

            Q.  You said that after your first‑round match last year you began to entertain a few doubts about your game.  How rare is that to happen to you, and kind of what goes through your mind?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Well, it's rare in a Grand Slam really, especially early on in a tournament.  I mean, I can struggle sometimes and come through and not make a big deal about it, but obviously last year I got very lucky.

            Actually ended up playing well, you know.  I thought my opponent played really well, too.  But people unfortunately never gave him enough credit for that.  Unfortunately, he wasn't able to close it out.

            For me, I actually played some good matches after that, but realized there was just something missing in my game, was just a bit passive, just not believing enough for my shot‑making.  That's something rare to have in Grand Slam play.

            Look, I still made the quarters, had chances against Berdych, and could have gone through.  It wasn't meant to be.  I had a few things I had to battle with during the tournament.  That was the case.

            Hasn't happened since.  That's something I'm happy about.

            Q.  Remember earlier in the year when you were talking about Andy having a slump after the Australian Open, you said to us, Relax, he's way too good a player not to come back.  Do you see anything different about him now that makes you think he's a real challenger to you and to Rafa and Novak here?

            ROGER FEDERER:  No, not really.  I think he played amazing tennis in Australia.  I think he probably got a bit down on himself after losing in the finals again.  I think he wasn't that close to Novak in the finals.  I think that really crushed him.

            To some degree that's understandable, in some ways also it's not what you want to see, because Novak also lost a tough US Open final against Rafa, which you really think that was a huge opportunity there for him to beat Rafa there on a fast surface.  Instead of going in a slump, he went on a tear.  You can take it different ways.

            I think Andy just struggled a little bit after that.  Look, I mean, once you start losing you can lose a few times in a row; and then time goes by, you play no matches, you're lacking matches, and it's something you're not that used to, especially being the top five in the world, you know, having to deal with a lot of practice and no matches.  Especially when you play, you lose.

            I think he did well.  I think he played ‑‑ well was it in Monaco, as well?  And then he played well all the way through to the French.  Now he's again in great shape.  He played great.  Queen's I didn't see, but I'm sure he played well.  Now he's got the perfect preparation for Wimbledon, so it's all good.  I'm excited to see how he goes.

            Q.  How do you think the absence of the Williams sisters has affected the women's tour for this past year, and what does it mean to have them back, especially Serena, the defending champion?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Well, we don't have to play them, so it's all good (smiling).

            It's been hard.  It's been tricky I think for the tour.  I mean, definitely gave a chance for other players to shine and to, you know, make their move, to win bigger tournaments, to rise in the rankings and all those things.

            And as good as it's been, it's also been somewhat tricky for the tour to really understand who is the real world No. 1, who is the real world No. 2, No. 3.  If the Williams sisters would have played, if Clijsters wouldn't have been injured, a lot of those things would have been question marks.

            At the end of the day, world No. 1 is the one who plays basically a full tour and wins the biggest tournaments, and rankings should not be lying.  It will be interesting to see how they come back.  I think it's interesting for the tour.  It's a good story.  But obviously you wish they'd be able to play 15 to 20 events a year.  But if the body doesn't allow it, then it's tricky.

            But, yeah, so it's been an up‑and‑down, bumpy road for the women's tour as of late.  But we'll see now how it goes here with the sisters back in the game.

Roland Garros June 5 2011 - Roger Federer

R. NADAL/R. Federer

           

7‑5, 7‑6, 5‑7, 6‑1

           

           

ROGER FEDERER

 

            Q.  At 5‑2 in the first set, was that a moment that you'll never forget, I mean, about this final?  Because then you served 5‑3, and out of six times you served, only one first serve in, and then you lost the break.

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, I mean, that's how it goes.  Rafa is tough.  I definitely thought that I got maybe a touch unlucky there and he got a tough lucky.  There was a lot of close calls with the net, like right close to the lines plays and so forth.

            So it was a tough moment.  I think that was one of my bigger chances of the match.  And then going to maybe a potential rain delay, just having won a set in the bag is obviously a good thing to have.

            But when I go into the rain delay, I'm down basically two sets almost.  I almost saved myself, but I'm very competitive, and I thought he was getting tired, you know, throughout the third set and also in the fourth.  It was unfortunate I couldn't take my chances early on in the fourth.

            Q.  Congratulations for a nice game, Roger.  After that unlucky dropshot in the first that made you miss the 6‑2, you did some back into the match, although you were at 4‑2 twice, you never left it.  Could we say that even when you came back, the weight of the first set, was it too much on you, especially when playing Nadal on such a close game?  Or did you feel you could always come back and do it in those comebacks from 4‑2?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Sure, you're not thinking of winning down two sets to love and 4‑2, but you're thinking of coming back and turning around the match.  All of a sudden at 0‑0 in the fourth set you think, Okay we have a match again.

            He has to go a long way to beat you again, and momentum is on my side.  All of a sudden, we know what can happen in tennis.  All of a sudden it almost looked like he was going to miss the beginning of the fourth set and I could maybe run away with that.

            In the fifth set, I would have felt very, very strong like I did back in Miami when I beat him from being down two sets to love.  So I knew I had it in me.  It was unfortunate I couldn't make it more competitive in the fourth set.

            Rafa played well and deserved the win today.

            Q.  You lost today, but you returned to a Grand Slam final today.  I think this is positive sign for you.  Could you get your confidence again?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, I mean, I've been confident for almost a year now.  I think I lost some confidence maybe through the French Open and Wimbledon last year, but, you know, I was in the finals of Halle as well in this period, so I didn't feel like I was running after confidence.

            It was just important to get to another Grand Slam final, keep on playing well.  I'm feeling better physically than I have in a long time, so that's been very positive.

            Also, after this sort of tough weekend I feel really good, so that's been positive, too.  Sure, it was a huge match with Novak.  Obviously I'm happy about that win.

            Today was a very good match.  Overall obviously I'm very happy about the tournament.  Obviously you should be disappointed after losing in a Grand Slam final.  Obviously I feel that a little bit today.

            Q.  There were a few periods in the match where you really dominated him, when if you had sustained that level you could have won the match.  Was it a level that's sustainable humanly for you or anyone else?  What was the reason you think it fluctuated a little bit?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Obviously I'm the one that's playing with smaller margins, so obviously I'm always going to go through a bit more up and downs; whereas Rafa is content doing the one thing for the entire time.

            So it's always me who's going to dictate play and decide how the outcome is going to be.  If I play well, I will most likely win in the score or beat him; if I'm not playing so well, that's when he wins.

            So it's always pretty straightforward when we play each other, and maybe that's why we are too worried playing against each other, because we know what to expect.

            But I thought Rafa played well.  I mean, I think he dug deep to come back in the first set and get himself into the match.  And also the second set.  It was tough all the way through.  I thought we played at a very high level, and I was pretty happy the way I played today.

            I don't have huge complaints, but just obviously some miss the opportunities, because you'll always have plenty against him on clay.  So if you lose, you always look after those.

            It's unfortunate the way it is, but it was a good match.

            Q.  Just watching Rafa play, I was thinking that if this guy was a boxer you would just way he just refuses to go down.  You have to put one, two, three, four shots against him because he's constantly getting things back at you.  Is that one of the things that makes him so tough to beat?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, sure, it's one of the things.  But I don't mind that, to be quite honest.  I like to see him running left and right and left and right and see how long he can sustain it, you know.

            Like I said, I thought he was getting quite tired actually midway through the third set.  That's why I definitely got a lift, because I was feeling well all the way through.  And even though sometimes you feel you're a little bit tired, I wasn't.

            That's why I'm very happy the way I came out of the match.  Four sets, sure, it's disappointing.  I thought he played some good tennis there towards the end.  Obviously with the wind coming in and the missed opportunities early on in the fourth and then the sun, it was just making it kind of a tough fourth set for me who is trying to make the plays.

            But I couldn't at that point anymore, because Rafa was having good length on his shots.  So, yeah, I'm not in any way frustrated with his play.  I've played against guys who play like that many, many times, starting with Lleyton Hewitt when I came along.  He's not the first guy.

            Q.  How did you feel during the tiebreak back in the second set?  Because you were pretty strong in that moment, and then suddenly it didn't work for you in the tiebreak.

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, I mean, I thought I took some chances early on.  Clipped the tape and maybe didn't take the right decisions.  But I was just coming back from almost being down two sets, so I gave myself a chance.

            Maybe I didn't serve great in the breaker, but plus, it got a bit more slow because of the rain delay.  So obviously it was a tough period for both players to go through, because we were both figuring out how we were going to play after the rain delay.

            I got very good inputs from Severin and also from Paul, and that really got me going again.  Actually, I played really well coming out of the break.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to win the second set; but I won the third, and could have done much better today.

            Q.  Whenever he was done with a match with Pete, Andre was asked, Did you feel honored to take part in a great match?  Did you feel the greatest of the occasion?  Basically, Andre's response when he lost was always, It sucked.  I thought it sucked.  Can you step back at all during a match like this and appreciate the moment and how big it is for tennis as well?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, I mean, you can, sure.  I mean, when I won the third set and it was already very competitive all along and I was able to push it to a fourth set, sure, I knew the importance of the match, you know, just I guess the attention on everybody.

            It was a big occasion.  I was aware of it.  You know, you're not aware of it when you're trailing in the score like I did a few years ago and you're just hoping to get games.  This was completely different.

            I was very much concentrated in the moment and trying to push him to the brink, which I almost achieved today.

            Q.  Especially in the first three sets, can we say you were either making the points by hitting winners or making the mistakes and Rafa was only trying to keep the ball in the game and you were mostly winning or losing the points?  Is that how you felt on court?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Um, yeah, I mean, sort of.  I wasn't just going for broke.  I was trying to make the plays and moving him around, make him tired, and frustrating him with quick play sometimes.  Mixing it up.  That's what I always do, and he does his things.

            I prefer to mix it up.  You know, I think he's happy to be Rafa; I'm happy to be Roger.  That's why we like to play each other maybe.  I don't know.

            Q.  The win over Novak and this today, the great performance, very competitive, do you feel like you sort of changed the conversation and you're back where you want to be in the hunt again and set up perfectly for Wimbledon?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, absolutely.  That's obviously the huge priority right now, to win Wimbledon in a few weeks' time.  That's always, for me, the sort of No. 1 goal in the season.

            This is where it all started for me back in 2003; or even with Sampras earlier in '01.  So that's why I always really enjoy coming back.

            Yeah, I mean, I told people that we should wait six months after the Australian Open when people thought Rafa and me were done.  It's unfortunate that it goes so quickly at times.

            Now we're back in the finals and now it's different talk again.  I don't go even there, because I knew it wasn't the case.

            I felt that even though people don't understand how Rafa was able to win this tournament after the shocking start he had, I'm not.  He plays better against the better ones, and that's what he showed today.

            He's a great champion on clay especially, and I am happy with my tournament.  Like you said, I think I played fantastic all the way through.  I had a tough draw like most of the top guys, and we were able to make it to the last four.

            I thought I had a good weekend.  It's unfortunate that I don't get the trophy, but I still think it was a very good finals today.

            THE MODERATOR:  French questions, please.

            Q.  Do you still intend to play in Halle?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yes, but I've not yet discussed this with my team.  I don't know what they will think.  I still have a few days off before that, so I'll either make the decision this evening or tomorrow.  I don't know.  We'll see.  I have to discuss this with my team.

            Q.  Roger, now Rafa has ten Grand Slams.  He's a bit younger than you were when you reached the same level, that is ten Grand Slams.  It's not at all 16, but do you have the impression that he's getting closer when you look in the rearview mirror?  I know you haven't finished yet.

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yes, who cares.  Who cares where you stand.  It's when it's over that you can't do anything any longer, that's when you're proud of what you accomplished.

            That's why I'm happy for him that he's won these Grand Slams and these tournaments.  He can prove to people that he can play a good type of tennis.  This is what counts.

            On clay, as I said at the beginning of the season, he had won a few matches on clay.  I said he could win a few more, and this is what he's proven today.  For some it was not sufficient, but today he managed to show that he could win a match on clay.

            I should have been able to do the same as well, by the way, but I'm happy for him.

            For me, of course it's a bit disappointing, but it was a good tournament for me as well.  Ten Grand Slams is a lot.  He knows this; I know this; everybody knows this.  It's really good for him.

            Q.  During the final, would you say you had regrets?  If yes, which ones?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Well, a few chances or occasions I missed, which is normal.  Each time I finished a match against Rafa and I was defeated, I know I had opportunities to seize.  He doesn't serve at 220.

            There was once when he served an ace.  You can't call this an opportunity to seize.  I had many breakpoints, many opportunities to hit the ball and to finish.

            But, you know, it's normal.  It's how Rafa wins the points.  He likes the rallies.  I'm not too sad because I've played a good match.  I was almost on the brink of winning the match, so I'm disappointed, but not too much.

            Q.  Would you say mentally it was easier than the other three?  At the other three you had not won Roland Garros, and then you won Roland Garros and this was like a weight off your shoulder.  Therefore, mentally did you feel more at ease for this final?

            ROGER FEDERER:  To some intent probably.  But I think year in and year out he has been really good on this surface.  You know, the year he dominated me during the final here, I knew that I was not playing well enough.  He was so incredible at the time and that the match didn't start well for me.

            That's when I thought, Okay, this is going to be tough.  It was my third year in a row playing semifinals, final, and then another final against Rafa.  So when I started the match, I must say I was like distracted due to his results.

            But today, no, I was confident.  I was feeling good.  I knew it was would be something difficult, which was the case today.  But I was almost doing it, and I knew I would play a good match.  The beginning was intense.

            Against Novak it was long rallies as well; against Rafa it was long as well.  But I managed to finish the match, and I'm rather satisfied.

            Q.  You've played really well today, and even the other day against Djokovic.  These are two different players.  Do you think you played better the other day against Djokovic or today?  Is it more or less the same?  Can you compare your level?

            ROGER FEDERER:  No, I can't.  I can't.  I can't.  The two matches are so different.  I have to change my game, you see.  If you look at how I returned today and the way I returned against Novak, it's different ‑‑ and even the rallies.

            The match started completely differently.  You can't compare the two matches.

            Q.  Never mind the scores or tactics, I have the impression you're physically at your best.  Have you changed anything in terms of your practice or the way you consider playing on clay?  What about Wimbledon?

            ROGER FEDERER:  No, not really.  I've played many matches.  I was really tired after Rome, and it was not the match against Gasquet that tired me so much.

            But it was part of the puzzle.  I've trained and practiced a lot after Monte‑Carlo.  I decided to play Monte‑Carlo because I was fit.  I played a lot from Dubai until Rome.  I didn't take a longer break.

            Sometimes after Miami I'd take ten days off in the past, but this year I didn't wasn't to do this.  Therefore, you know, I was extremely tired ‑‑ and at the end of Madrid as well and also during Rome.

            I hoped I could practice more here, but I was so tired that I said, Okay, I'll practice just what is enough.  That's why the beginning of the tournament here for me was important.

            At the beginning, I didn't think I would manage this way, but after two matches, I thought, Okay, I feel better.  I'm in the tournament.  I could never hear the alarm clock in the morning ringing I was so tired.

            That's why in the middle of the first week I thought, I'm on the right tracks.  I was playing really well.  Even though I knew that, I was like, I respect this immense fatigue I have gone through.

            Q.  You used the word "proud," being proud at the end of the match.  Is that what you feel, pride?

            ROGER FEDERER:  No.  I'm not a 15 year old, so, no.  I'm happy with this match.  That's what I can say.  It's a pity I lost, but it's normal.  Rafa played again an excellent match.

            It was a normal match with quite a lot of regrets, but also I played well.  So I'll focus on Wimbledon.  This is the moment when I can do good things.  I'm on the right tracks.  It's positive.

            Q.  Were talking about missed opportunities.  There was a set point when you tried a dropshot close to the line.  When you were playing it, did you think it would go into the court?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Well, so‑so.  You know, I saw the mark.  It was really close, but I knew it could be out.

            Q.  If you had to do it again, would you try the dropshot again?

            ROGER FEDERER:  I don't know.  I can't really remember this rally.  I think he would've won the game early.  He was up 40‑15, I think, and then all of a sudden I had this set point for me.  It was a bit surprising for both of us.

            I regret perhaps more the service game.  That's about it.

Roland Garros June 3 2011 - Roger Federer

R. FEDERER/N. Djokovic

           

7‑6, 6‑3, 3‑6, 7‑6

           

ROGER FEDERER

           

            Q.  Wonderful, wonderful match, Roger.  Congratulations.

            ROGER FEDERER:  Thank you.

            Q.  Is this the best match you have played in the year 2011?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah.  I would think so, yeah.  I hope it was, because I thought it was played at a very high level for a very long time.

            I can only talk about myself, but I thought I did really well today.  It was a tough start, really, where I was able to break.  There was break backs, because that's kind of how we play against each other.  It's so intense and he's such a good return player that I always know he's got something in his racquet to really break me, as well.

            I really wanted to make it as physical as possible, which I was able to make it happen.  I think the end of the first and beginning of the second set was key to, you know, the outcome almost in the fourth set.

            So I was really happy the way I played.  I thought at the end it was also quite mental, you know, both of us know that whoever is going to win the set, either it's over or we have to come back tomorrow, which makes it more tricky.

            So for this reason obviously I'm somewhat relieved that I don't have to come back tomorrow, even that would have been no problem.  I thought it was a great match from both sides, really.

            Q.  Actually watching it, there were a few of us who thought it was vintage tennis, perhaps the best we have seen since the final of Wimbledon in 2008.  Would you perhaps concur with that?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Possibly, yeah.  I mean, I think I haven't disappeared since, you know.  I think I've played some great matches since and i did some sacrifices.  I wasn't lying on the beach.

            So I'm pretty happy that I made that effort over the years, and that, you know, when it really counts I'm at the big occasion, you know.  So I think today was one of those moments.  There was a lot on the line for Novak, a lot of pressure obviously going in, and I thought he handled it great, really.

            He got maybe a bit unlucky in the first set, but he hung in there and almost pushed it to five.  Obviously you never know on a different day what's gonna happen.

            Look, it was a pleasure playing against him today I thought.  I told him at the net as well.  I said I think his record speaks for itself, how great he's played already this season, and it's not even over yet.  He can still achieve so much more this year.

            And, yeah, I thought we played some great tennis.  The way the crowd got into it, as well, towards the end of the match, I mean, the way they back me here in Paris is just an amazing feeling.  So obviously I know I'm very privileged to live this in my career.

            Q.  I want to say thank you because of the best tennis match I saw in my life.

            ROGER FEDERER:  Okay.  Any time.  (Laughter.)

            Q.  In any time of the match did you think you can lose this match?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Honestly, I was very confident, you know, especially once I was up 7‑6, 4‑1.  I kind of felt like this match is not gonna slip out my hands, even though I probably missed another 10 or 15 break points at the end of the second set.

            I just felt you don't give me such a lead and then think you can crawl back into the match.  I knew I was probably gonna close this out.  That was just a feeling I had.

            Q.  You stopped Rafa once; you were the last one who beat Djokovic.  You stop now Djokovic.  Do you have something against these records?

            ROGER FEDERER:  No, but Rafa and Novak and other guys have stopped me, too.  It's just the way it goes, you know.  (Laughter.)

            I said it earlier, I wasn't here to spoil the party.  I mean, just trying to put in a good match and trying to get to the French Open finals, which I'm now obviously happy I'm able to.

            But almost feels somewhat like I've won the tournament, which is not the case, you know.  Silverware is still out there to be won, and I'm looking forward to the match with Rafa, which I guess is my true rival for the last ‑‑ all those years, you know, since he became world No. 1.

            I remember playing him in Miami for the first time, so this is obviously another big match.  It always seems to me that Rafa needs to be in a French Open final to make it special, and I got the match I guess I was hoping for.

            After beating Novak, it's in a way a gift that I get the chance, and I'm looking forward to it.

            Q.  Can you say what was going through your head at 4‑5 in the fourth when Djokovic was serving for the set?  And then also if you have any different tactics for tomorrow or on Sunday playing against Rafa?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Look, I mean, I was disappointed I got broken at 4‑All, because I had such a huge game.  Because being down 4‑5 or being up 5‑4 is just a huge change.  I don't know how to explain.

            It's just all of a sudden four points away instead of being 12 points away, and, you know, a mountain to climb again.

            So I knew I kind of messed up and got maybe a bit unlucky, because I think I did take the right decisions.  Look, it happens.  Novak is a great player, and I never sort of gave up even though I knew, Okay, he's playing well; he's taking it away from me and he should close it up.

            But I got into a tough first point, and I kind of felt like from there on I was probably gonna break him back because it was getting slower, it was getting barker.  It was just tough when you're not feeling 100% to keep the ball in play, I just felt.

            That's why I felt I played a great return game, and then I played one of the best breakers again.  I was able to mix it up, serve great, clutch serve when I had to, and I just kind of felt good, obviously.

            Q.  Sorry to bring this up after such an incredible win, but the last time you played Rafa here three years ago you won four games.  What are you gonna do that's different?  Do you have a plan?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, I mean, not yet.  We played a great match in Madrid against each other, so obviously I've got my hands full with him now.  Whoever thinks it's gonna be a walk in the park is so wrong, you know.  Everybody knows how many times he's gotten me here in Paris.

            I'm happy I never got sort of a letdown just because he has beaten me here and just that I stopped believing.  That's why I got the Roland Garros in 2009, which remains one of my most special wins, really, in my career.

            And I have another opportunity to beat Rafa here and get the French Open title.  I've got to play some extraordinarily special tennis.  I'm aware of that.  But I obviously took a huge step today, and hope I can get everything together for the finals.

            Q.  You didn't use dropshot, but you felt the ball great or you were waiting for the end or why this happened?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Well, Novak plays very much on the baseline.  He plays very, I mean, flat and hard and deep shots, so it kind of makes it more difficult to use the dropshot.  If you do hit it, you have to hit it perfect, otherwise he's gonna eat it up.  So that was pretty simple.

            THE MODERATOR:  French questions, please.

            Q.  Compared to all your other matches on clay, would you say that this one is one of your best in the top three?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Well, with regards to its importance, it's a very big one.  It's one on which I had lots of expectations.  And when a match is so important to make things even bigger, I'm very proud of my performance today.  But as I said, the tournament is not over yet.  But it's true, it's a great match.

            Now, did I win it in three or four sets?  I don't care.  What's important is that I played a beautiful match against a player which is in great shape.  So that's gonna be a special victory, probably more special than others.

            Q.  When you play incredible points, as you did today, and the crowd is so happy, are you aware of this?  Is this motivating?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Yes, quite a lot.  And when I play in Switzerland, I find it normal to have this kind of support.  But in a foreign country ‑‑ we have no Grand Slam tournament in Switzerland, so when I play in Switzerland in and in a foreign country and I get this support from a crowd, when I feel people supporting me, being happy, being proud even though I do nothing to conquer their hearts.

            But when it happens naturally, then I'm even more happy, because, you know, you are on the road and it fuels my motivation.  It helps me play longer, because it's a great pleasure to play in such an atmosphere.

            So as I said, before this match, I had not had any real difficult matches.  So maybe the crowd has not had time to really appreciate my matches.

            But this time it was a full match, and the atmosphere was incredible.  I'd like to thank the crowd for their support, because it really helped me today.

            Q.  Since Australia 2010, you've not reached a final in a Grand Slam.  Was it a long time for you?  Have you ever doubted you'd be back in a final?

            ROGER FEDERER:  No, not really.  I was very close in the US Open, and then I'm playing a final here against Rafa.  Novak played very well in the US Open and also in Australia.

            Last year maybe I had a hard time here and in Wimbledon, but it's all ‑‑ it's sometimes difficult to play the perfect match.

            So that's why you have to accept it and continue to work.  I've always made it to the quarterfinals or even semifinals, so that's another step forward for me today.

            I made it to the final and I'd like to win it.  I know I'll have to play Rafa, but I'll be ready.

            Q.  Would you say that you're currently playing your best tennis on clay?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Well, honestly, I feel very well.  I think I move very well.  I'm never stressed.  If there is a ball that you miss, it's just because the other one played it very well, and not because I made a mistake or I played bad tennis on the return, on my serve.

            That's why I'm very happy at the moment with my game.  Is it my best?  I don't know.

            Q.  What was the key today for you to beat Novak Djokovic?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Well, not fearing long rallies, be very much present physically and mentally.  I had a lot of confidence.  So quite clearly it goes through your mind, because each time he manages to save a break ball, you think, Okay, he played very well, and it's because of his confidence that he makes the right decision all the time.

            So it makes it a bit difficult to stay calm.  But before the match I was thinking I had difficulties being calm.  But then, I mean, my mental and my physical shape were great, so we played exactly the match I expected or I hoped.  It was difficult, but we ‑‑ I closed it in four sets.

            Q.  It's as if you were not aware of the extraordinary level of game that we have during the first set.  Did you realize what good tennis it was?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Well, yes, because I can even feel it.  We run, so we felt when the first five games take more than half an hour that each game is played on very long rallies when you have to fight and struggle for each point.

            I know how much work I put in my points and people tend to forget that, but it was a bit the same thing in Australia.  In Australia luck was on his side.  He won; this time I won.  It was very tough.

            And today we also played for a very long time.  We were tired, and the first set was huge.  I'm very much aware of that.

            Q.  Just before you said you didn't do anything to conquer the hearts of the crowd.  There was Kuerten that really showed his emotion on the court, Francesca Schiavone kissing the clay.  Did you ever do anything specific?

            ROGER FEDERER:  Well, I try and speak French the best I can.  (Laughter.)  I can't really.  I make lots of mistakes.  Maybe that's what I do.  But I don't think I need to do anything like that.

            I think people know how much I love Roland Garros, how dear this tournament is to my heart.  I think that's enough.

            But then, I mean, we all have our ways of expressing our emotions, and that's good in tennis to see that people are different.