Roger Federer: I Have A Lot Of Regrets, But Mentally I’ve Switched To Grass, I’m Excited About Wimbledon

by Tom Gainey | June 1st, 2014, 1:55 pm
  • 65 Comments

Roger Federer took a tough loss in stride today at the French Open. The 2009 champion suffered his first career 5-set loss at the even in a 67(5), 76(3), 62, 46, 63 loss to 25-year-old Ernests Gulbis.

“Clearly very disappointed not to come through with the win,” Federer said. “After the chance in the second set, fighting back in the fourth, not to play a better fifth set. A lot of regrets here now. But I think Gulbis, you know, did a good job of hanging around and clearly coming back in that second set was crucial for him.”

Federer led by a set and held set points in the second on his serve that if converted would have put him two sets up. But Gulbis, who had never beaten a Top 5 player in a Slam before clawed his way back to win a breaker.


“I guess I was a bit all over the place. Clearly very disappointed not to come through with the win. After the chance in the second set, fighting back in the fourth, not to play a better fifth set,” said Federer.

Federer said despite the loss, his earliest since 2004 at the French, he’s ready for the grass season.

“Mentally I have already switched to the grass, to be quite honest,” Federer said. “For me, it’s like, Okay, clay court season was fun, but we are moving on. Clay doesn’t need me anymore, I got flushed out here.

“I think when I’m healthy, like I have been now for the last six to nine months, I think clearly I can also decide the outcome of the matches more than I could last year. So I”m very excited about my chances for Wimbledon now this time.”

Federer hasn’t won a Grand Slam title or been to a Slam final since his 2012 Wimbledon win over Andy Murray.


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65 Comments for Roger Federer: I Have A Lot Of Regrets, But Mentally I’ve Switched To Grass, I’m Excited About Wimbledon

Hippy Chic Says:

I would think Rogers best chance of another GS would be Wimbledon,i think his and Andys games are better suited to grass than Rafa ond Novaks….

June 1st, 2014 at 2:02 pm


calmdownplease Says:

Agreed, but Roger is not winning Wimbledon this year.
Judging from his performances so far.
Still, it could get rainy again.

June 1st, 2014 at 2:28 pm


Salleh Ahmed Says:

apart from the AO open SF he played in all his losses a decider. so he wasnt far away from winning all them.

but worrying is that he lost the last five matches after winnning the first set.

June 1st, 2014 at 2:45 pm


Josh Says:

One place I certainly would not count this man out is at SW19. He had a 2nd round exit last year, but it’s a surface that still suits his style of play (the serve, the BH slice, movement around the court). Two weeks of solid training and match practice in Halle, along with a favourable draw and he could genuinely go deep into the 2nd week there.

June 1st, 2014 at 2:53 pm


madmax Says:

5 sets. It was a tough one. He did his best. Gulbis was better. Move on Fed.

June 1st, 2014 at 2:57 pm


Patricia Moore Says:

Roger is the only player that has the added stress of caring for a wife and FOUR children whilst on tour. No wonder he is tired. It is time they stayed in their beautiful home in Switzerland and left Roger to get on with his work which he loves. Too much responsibility for a man of 32years of age!! Patsy

June 1st, 2014 at 5:29 pm


Polo Says:

Ms. Moore: I don’t think that’s a good excuse for a loss and Federer certainly would not use that. He is 32 years old and makes a decent living. I guess he is mature enough to know what’s best for him and what makes him happy. If one has money to take his family along with him wherever he wants, why shouldn’t he?

June 1st, 2014 at 5:38 pm


calmdownplease Says:

Polo I’m sure that was a joke post post lol
And Federer doesn’t make a `decent living` either
Good Grief.

June 1st, 2014 at 5:45 pm


RZ Says:

@Hippy Chic – I agree that Andy and Fed are better suited to grass than Rafa and Nole, but it could really become a crapshoot since the latter two have also had a lot of success there.

In any case, I’d expect both Roger and Rafa to do better at Wimbledon this year than they did last year. :-)

June 1st, 2014 at 6:13 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

Now we go to Wimbledon, where a bigger disaster awaits..said everyone.

No one can coat sugar better than His Arrogance.

June 1st, 2014 at 7:08 pm


Polo Says:

@calmdownplease: I lose my sense of humor each time Federer loses…and it makes it hard for me to calm down. :-)

June 1st, 2014 at 7:13 pm


Goatexpert Says:

33 year old fathers of four should retire.

28 year old moonballers with ugly game, gamesmanship, fake injuries, and periodic transfusions should stop playing altogether.

June 1st, 2014 at 8:10 pm


Steve 27 Says:

You are a disgusting troll, another who has “proof”
of doping. Believe me, if the elite playes are doped, your beloved swiss is on the list, too.

June 1st, 2014 at 9:16 pm


Polo Says:

“Can’t we just all get along?”…

June 1st, 2014 at 9:28 pm


calmdownplease Says:

`No one can coat sugar better than His Arrogance…`

Tell that to `Maria Sugarpova` Humble Rafa!

June 1st, 2014 at 9:37 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

28 year old moonballers with ugly game, gamesmanship, fake injuries, and periodic transfusions should stop playing altogether.
—
You need help. Hope you get it.

June 1st, 2014 at 9:48 pm


skeezer Says:

^No you do. You always have to post in the third person. How messed up is that?

June 1st, 2014 at 10:19 pm


Goatexpert Says:

HR – wow, comments about players make you so emotional that you start putting comments about posters? Don’t get your panties in a bunch. Very touchy about Rafa, aren’t you? (Ya, Ya, I get the irony of my comment, but it has to be done to point something out).

June 1st, 2014 at 10:22 pm


Dan Martin Says:

Federer leaves RG playing better than he did last year. Tsonga thrashed him. I think Halle will tell us something. Fed was lucky to win the first set as he was down a break. Sure he could have won in 4 but he could have lost in 3. Gulbis’ winning streak is at? Gulbis has 2 clay court titles as well. I think he might beat Berdych. Nole looks very solid for the final but Raonic has to believe after Rome so an interesting 1/2 of the draw.

June 1st, 2014 at 10:40 pm


skeezer Says:

Have to say that using a ITO for a nic vs a injury is not fair game. Clearly Gulbis was not suffering per se, that it was hampering his game or success. Not once did I see him labor from it, and he continued on like there was nothing wrong, playing in full flight. Like Fed says, current rules allow you to go off court into the locker room for treatment(10minutes). Did it matter? Maybe, maybe not. All I saw was Fed played a poor service game after the break and Gulbis never looked back. It could be looked at clearly as a tactic, but Gulbis in the end played very well. Part of the game they say.

June 2nd, 2014 at 12:08 am


WTF Says:

“Mentally I have already switched to the grass, to be quite honest,”

“Mentally” you’re not a champion, because that’s not what champions do. Mentally you’re not the guy who won 17 slams.

June 2nd, 2014 at 12:24 am


kjb Says:

Well, now that Fed is out, I am rooting for an all Canadian Championship. Raonic in Mens , Bouchard in Womens and Nestor in Mens Doubles.

Lets go Canada Lets go clap clap clap!

June 2nd, 2014 at 12:42 am


Salleh Ahmed Says:

@dan martin
As far as i know gulbis has only one clay court title ;)
Though the loss is hard to take but better at the hands of gulbis who ist my 2nd fav player. Hope he reaches the semi finals and cracks the top 10. What a journey it has been from him since last year

June 2nd, 2014 at 1:39 am


Salleh Ahmed Says:

As far as i know gulbis has only one clay court title ;)Though the loss is hard to take but better at the hands of gulbis who ist my 2nd fav player. Hope he reaches the semi finals and cracks the top 10. What a journey it has been from him since last year

Think nole will win it. Looks more eager

June 2nd, 2014 at 1:40 am


Michael Says:

What should be disappointing for Roger is the way he is losing matches he should be winning at ease. He had the match against Gulbis literally on his hands with the first set in his pocket and leading by 5-3 in the second with 40-15 and two set points. But he made crucial UEs which cost him the match. Gulbis is ofcourse a very dangerous player who can cause an upset at any stage. But Roger in his prime had the measure of those players and he only faltered at the finishing stage to the next best player. But that is a thing of the past with Tom, Dick and Harry getting the better of Roger now-a-days. We had Chardy beat him at Rome and here it is Gulbis. Nevertheless we must come out of the shadow of the past and see Roger where he is today. He just cannot replicate his success of his prime and he will shine in moments giving his glorious best at times which we must enjoy as his fans. That is the only consolation we can gain today watching Roger play. We cannot come into his match with too many expectations and just look at it from the perspective of a player who made history once and is now playing the sport for his sheer enjoyment and unbridled passion.

June 2nd, 2014 at 1:52 am


Michael Says:

Congrats to Gulbis who is a player with immense potential but cannot fulfil those expectations he raised about becoming a top player. Yet his nature of play is quite impressive and he has a great variety in his play. His next opponent is Berdy which should be a great match.

June 2nd, 2014 at 1:54 am


Michael Says:

I am awefully impressed with the way Novak is playing and the way he outclassed and decimated Tsonga. He is getting closer to fulfilling his ambition. I wish him all the best for completing the career Grand slam which we are all eagerly awaiting.

June 2nd, 2014 at 1:57 am


Hippy Chic Says:

Polo@ 1st June 9.28pm cant we just all get along?exactly blogging lately is becoming a chore rather than a pleasure these days….

June 2nd, 2014 at 2:00 am


Hippy Chic Says:

Michael nice posts,im looking forward to seeing Rafa playing against some better opponents(no disrespect)to see where his game is really at,i have no expectations about him winning the title anymore anyway though,so it will be somebody elses turn,and i wouldnt count out Raonic or Berdych who are both playing great,and Andy seems to be getting back to that level that won him Wimbledon last year….

June 2nd, 2014 at 2:08 am


Michael Says:

Alison,

I appreciate your initiative to bring sanity in the forum. In the heat of the moment, forum members lose their patience and cut loose which should be avoided to maintain etiquette and dignity. We all have our favourites and we fancy them. But as far as possible, we should never be blinded by bias and prejudice while evaluating players. Ofcourse, our prejudice might creep in without our knowing it, which we cannot help. We must always in a cautious control mode. We should appreciate all the players and what they give to this sport by their sheer hard work, determination, perseverance, mental fortitude, stamina and commitment. I think all the professional players who play this sport are not playing with a white handkerchief on their hand holding for peace but they are engaged in a keen tussle. They are there as Gladiators who are engaged in a fight to finish and they entertain us through their exploits on court. All said and done, Tennis is above all players and must be held in great esteem.

June 2nd, 2014 at 2:52 am


Michael Says:

Alison,

But for his troubling back, Rafa is still the favourite to win this title for an unprecedented ninth time. The only man standing in his way in my opinion is Novak Djokovic. You would recall even Thiem who lost to Rafa said in the interview that it is only Novak who can stand against him. To tell you honestly, I like Novak to win and complete his career grand slam although I have no hard feeling towards Rafa and would be happy if he goes on to win it and cement his greatness even further. Ofcourse, he is not going to prove anything by winning here again as he has already won it a phenomenal eight times, but who would not want to taste success once again as by nature human desire is unlimited. As regards,Berdych, I do not think he can make it as he lacks the temparement to take on players like Rafa and Novak. May be, Raonic can spring a pleasant surprise or even Andy who is showing glimpses of his best form.

June 2nd, 2014 at 2:58 am


Michael Says:

Can Roger spring a surprise at Wimbledon ? Yes, he can. Provided the draw is comfortable. I think this must be his very last chance to make it 8 and counting. Although the probability of his winning the tournament is less, yet considering that it is his favourite surface, he can throw a spanner in the works of his opponents.

June 2nd, 2014 at 3:14 am


Michael Says:

Can Roger spring a surprise at Wimbledon ? Yes, he can. Provided the draw is comfortable. I think this must be his very last chance to make it 8 and counting. Although the probability of his winning the tournament is less, yet considering that it is his favourite surface, he can throw a spanner in the works of his opponents.

June 2nd, 2014 at 3:14 am


Goatexpert Says:

With this loss, and Berdych, Ferrer, Murray still in the running, Fed will most likely not be a top 4 seed at Wimbledon (since even if he defends Halle, he doesn’t gain any points.

Perhaps Murray will not be top 4 either.

That will create a great dependence on chance, the luck of the draw.

At the ripe old age of 33, with 4 kids, the man needs a break. If he gets a soft draw and reaches the semi, hopefully he can cross the line at Wimbledon just one more time – after all, with the lower bounce (relative to clay) and his superior movement on grass (most players don’t know how to move well on grass), and the new racket with the larger sweet spot, AND with Edberg in his corner (Wimbledon is where he could really help Fed) – maybe he can show the magic just one more time.

June 2nd, 2014 at 4:32 am


Goatexpert Says:

Basically, Fed needs the “Sampras Luck” – not to have to face a top 5 player to win the slam (like Sampras had in 2002 USO). Then Fed has a great chance to win wimbledon.

June 2nd, 2014 at 4:33 am


Salleh Ahmed Says:

Now i can feel how roddicks fans must have felt after he missed four set points to go 2 sets up. painful.

June 2nd, 2014 at 7:26 am


Salleh Ahmed Says:

*in the wimbledon final 09 against federer

June 2nd, 2014 at 7:27 am


Michael Says:

Salleh,

I remember that 2009 finals when Roddick had the upper hand and was leading by 6-2 in the second set tie break after having won the first set. But if you rewind that match, you would note that Roger played some exceptional Tennis those moments tackling Roddick’s ferocious serve. Ofcourse an ace by Roddick would have done the trick. But still he had good first serves which were effectively tackled by Roger and returned back with interest. When rallies developed Roger hit some swashbuckling shots from both wings and was able to find the right winners. It was his day. If you compare that match with this one when Roger lost those set points, it was definitely no credit to Gulbis, for it was Roger who made the UEs and squandered the game and then lost the set too. So, these two matches are not comparable by any means. Earning a point by hitting winners and gifted a point by UEs are two different kettles of fish not worthy of comparison.

June 2nd, 2014 at 8:15 am


calmdownplease Says:

`Perhaps Murray will not be top 4 either..`

Murray is def a top 4 seed in Wimbledon.
That’s confirmed by the All England Club.
They have their own seeding process that takes into account the last 2 years of grass results, with Andy’s probably being the best or thereabouts in this period.
But it probably is 4, not higher.

June 2nd, 2014 at 8:20 am


Salleh Ahmed Says:

michaek, roddick had a sitter of a volley on one of those set points so it was in roddicks hand.

June 2nd, 2014 at 8:22 am


Salleh Ahmed Says:

and dusan is cracking under the pressure. nadals path to the final is one the easiest he could wished for

next ferrer who own and murray who he owns und cant play on clay

June 2nd, 2014 at 8:25 am


Dan Martin Says:

WTF – Annacone and Cahill both said Federer is the best they have ever seen at moving on after a loss. One was his coach the other a successful coach and analyst. I think he’s done that sort of mental switch throughout his career. 2003 loses 1st round at RG – wins Halle and Wimbledon, 2008 loses badly to Nole and Rafa at the first 2 slams, loses a close match to Rafa at Wimbledon and then wins the USO, 2009 loses in 5 to Rafa in Australia and is in tears – wins Madrid, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and Cincinnati. 2012 – Nole clobbered him in Paris he bounced back to clip Nole in 4 at Wimbledon. He moves on and that is one reason he has 17 slams. Agassi lost the 1995 USO final and went away for 2+ years.

June 2nd, 2014 at 8:31 am


Salleh Ahmed Says:

it would be sweet to win Wimbledon with the same route like 2012

SF nole and final murray.

June 2nd, 2014 at 8:49 am


skeezer Says:

“and dusan is cracking under the pressure”
All others in the draw have faced a seeded player by now. Rafa? He finally sees a seed in the qtr final of a Slam. LOL. Yawn.
#theBackthingohmy

June 2nd, 2014 at 8:54 am


metan Says:

Ting…ting…ting
Rafa is in QF

June 2nd, 2014 at 9:11 am


gonzalowski Says:

1h. and 33 min, well for him and his blessed back!

June 2nd, 2014 at 9:45 am


Salleh Ahmed Says:

10th QF in a row for ferrer

why cant federer in this age when ferrer can i ask myself

and why ferrer faces nadal more in GS and didnt face federer once on a GS

June 2nd, 2014 at 10:29 am


Hippy Chic Says:

Michael @June 2nd 2.52am thankyou but i feel its like trying to ride a bike with square wheels uphill all pretty pointless,your a nice person and a fantastic poster,but it will all most likely fall on deaf ears,enough said….

June 2nd, 2014 at 11:15 am


Polo Says:

If you can find a way to tolerate all the nasty comments here, you will realize that most of them are quite funny or at the very least, entertaining. It’s like reading historical fiction.

June 2nd, 2014 at 11:44 am


Hippy Chic Says:

Polo thanks you make alot of sense,and i will take on board what your saying….

June 2nd, 2014 at 11:47 am


Hippy Chic Says:

Great to see a Prince watching a King ;))….

June 2nd, 2014 at 12:02 pm


Okiegal Says:

You can’t blame Roger for dreaming about “The Green Green Grass of Home”…..he’s owned that one a time or two…….Love that song too!! I hated that Roger got beat, Roger fans. There was no ulterior motive in being for Roger, just prefer him over Gulbis. So sorry, guys and gals! Okie was pulling for him!!

June 2nd, 2014 at 1:26 pm


van orten Says:

The best way to win or lose is in a five setter. 50:50. Feds record may not be the best but he has played over 1000 matches counting. There was a time when reaching the fifth vs fed was the only way of having a chance see 2005-2007. Wimby will be good tennis from his side . He may lose but close though. All his losses at Wimby were very close matches. He is in good form

June 2nd, 2014 at 1:30 pm


Hippy Chic Says:

Okiegal sorry i left a post for you on the other thread,when it was meant to be this one woopsie….

June 2nd, 2014 at 1:40 pm


Okiegal Says:

@Chic

Yes, I caught that on the other thread, I realized what happened. Absolutely love the Beatles…..great musical group…….reminds me how old I’m getting. LOL! So happy for Andy fans…..he’s rolling….did not see the match, however. Things are getting interesting. Don’t see Nole getting stopped by anyone…..Rafa…..that’s another story. Not so sure about our guy. If he doesn’t make it to the finals…..so be it……I will cheer for Andy.

June 2nd, 2014 at 3:00 pm


Josh Says:

It was a great match from Gublis, but this shows that Roger really is at the end of his career. Roger will probably go beyond 2R at Wimbledon, he likes the grass, but will lose again by the QF. I don’t believe he has the ability to hang with these younger guys anymore for 5 sets.

Look, I’m sure Roger is playing for the love of the game, and because he’s a great competitor, etc. But, retirement will be upon him soon, no question.

One more note:
“Clay doesn’t need me anymore.” Please Roger, get over yourself, clay has never needed you, but the grass courts still do!

June 2nd, 2014 at 3:03 pm


Josh Says:

@Josh2: maybe, maybe not. I think he will come up with a great match here/there. Quite possibly he could go deep at Wimbledon. He’s still the world no. 4, so he’s doing better than other guys in his age group,and has quite clearly stated that he intends to play until 2016 (the Rio Games). He’s certainly got the game on hard courts as well, but I would agree with you that he’s basically done on clay

June 2nd, 2014 at 3:15 pm


Josh Says:

Someone mentioned something about the Wimbledon seedings? Well based on the formula that they use at SW19, Murray is likely to be the No. 3 seed there.
Also, in the event that Rafa defends RG and remains World No. 1, Novak would still be named Top seed ahead of him based on the formula

June 2nd, 2014 at 3:18 pm


Goatexpert Says:

Wimbledon seeding formula is:

Add the following to a player’s entry ATP points (the week before Wimbledon):

– 100% points earned for ALL grass court tournaments in the past 12 months.

– 75% points earned for BEST grass court tournament in the 12 months before that.

Federer should get a bump because of his 2012 win (1500 points). Then I guess he still ends up in the top 4 seeds. So does Murray. Nadal and Djoke have enough ATP points anyway. So the top 4 this time looks like the normal top 4 – Djoke as top seed, Nadal no 2, Murray no 3, Fed no 4.

Order restored.

June 2nd, 2014 at 10:41 pm


Michael Says:

Alison,

We dream to give ourselves hope. To stop dreaming – well, that’s like saying you can never change your fate. So let us dream that sanity will ultimately prevail in this forum and the quality of discussion brings value addition. I still hope for the best, even though the best, like an interesting piece of mail, so rarely arrives, and even when it does it can be lost so easily. So, I keep my fingers crossed.

June 3rd, 2014 at 12:26 am


Michael Says:

Salleh,

Roddick had a sitter of a volley on one of those set points so it was in roddicks hand

Yes you have a point. However, I would not say it as a sitter of a volley. It was a pretty makeable volley which Roddick squandared and lost the fine opportunity. If he had gone two sets up, he would have definitely kissed his first Wimbledon crown because after that it is a tall order for Roger to make the catch up. And no one deserved that trophy more than Roddick who made three Wimbledon finals in his career losing it all to Roger.

June 3rd, 2014 at 12:30 am


Purcell Says:

calmdownplease : pray tell me how ‘getting rainy’ will help Roger at SW19?!

June 3rd, 2014 at 1:42 pm


Purcell Says:

Dan Martin @ 8:31…….glad you mentioned this as it’s one aspect of Fed’s career that is rarely acknowledged.

June 3rd, 2014 at 1:50 pm


calmdownplease Says:

Well, it’s not too difficult to work out if you are a fan of his is it?
Roger is one of the greatest under roof players ever.
He played 3 matches at least partially under the roof in 2012, including a close one against Benneteau;
http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/06/26/Wimbledon-Friday-Federer-Overcome-Benneteau-In-Five-Sets.aspx

Therefore it should assist him if it rains again.
Last time it certainly did.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Performance-Zone/Performance-Indoor-Career-List.aspx

June 3rd, 2014 at 2:06 pm

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