World number six Roger Federer said that he’s still optimistic about his chances of winning his 18th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open 2014 this month despite losing to Lleyton Hewitt in the final of the Brisbane International on Sunday.
“I feel pretty good, especially having played all the matches I have here now, with the doubles in particular. It’s a good thing – I didn’t quite know what to expect from myself before the tournament. I played consistent, I must say,” the Swiss star said.
Federer admitted that his opponent played better and deserved the win.
“I didn’t play great today, which is a bit unfortunate. But also Lleyton was the best player I played this week — he made it toughest on me, so I have a clear idea what I need to work on, and I have a clear idea where my mind and body is at. I’m very hungry and eager to attack the Australian Open next week.”
The Swiss star was quick to dismiss observations that he may have experienced some back pain during the match.
“I’m pretty pleased just that my body is holding up good in the first week, because you don’t quite know what to expect. So overall there were many good things (this week), but then also a couple of things you need to just readjust maybe, and also get to Melbourne and see what the court speed is down there and then you’ll have a real good idea of what you need to work on.”
“I haven’t thought about it a whole lot. I think I can play very well,” Federer said, referring to his chances in Melbourne. “It depends on how I play more than anything right now. I think I was able to sort of serve better overall, more consistent this week than I have in a long time. So that’s very good.”
