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AFP
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1.9
Novak Djokovic makes short work of Roger Federer.
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9.2
The Swiss man shows great effort against the Serb and is eliminated.
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AFP
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3.9
Federer leads 5: 2 in the first set before Djokovic turns up.
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AFP
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8.9
In the second round, the Swiss keeps up well, but takes the break at the crucial moment.
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Getty Images
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9.9
In the third round, «Djoker» is enough for a break to bring victory under control.
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Please describe your condition and how you feel on the course.
Federer: Everything was of course somewhat uncertain. But I thought I could do it. I took it easy the last two days, only warming myself up before the match. I was no longer in pain, which was a good sign. The time-out was also rather preventive. I served full this time, but on the defensive I probably moved differently than usual. I was always a little scared, so I played a little with the handbrake on. I didn’t want to make things worse and possibly be out of action for several weeks. I played with this feeling, it hurts my heart. I gave the maximum that was in me.–
How much did you believe in winning against Djokovic?
I had nothing to lose – he had everything. As my happy victories have shown before, anything can happen. So I believed in my 3 percent chance against him. With a 0 percent chance, I would not have gone onto the pitch. So I took a lot of risk. That worked out in the first sentence, but unfortunately I couldn’t serve it home. I blame myself. But otherwise we all know how hard it is against him to find his way into the match.–
What exactly have you been doing the last few days?
I had an MRI done after the Sandgren match. I then used the information to do the rehab, which consisted of relaxation and treatment. In training I decided to play – if it hurts again, then it just hurts.–
Was it right to compete here without a preparatory tournament?
It was very good for me and my family. What is good for the children has priority. I don’t know if I would do it differently next year – I actually played well in the tournament.–
What do you take stock of?
To be honest, I’m actually very happy with everything. I played okay – could have been better, but a lot worse. Only today was the horror in between.–
Maybe you shouldn’t have played?
No, that would have been worse. It would have been the first time at a Grand Slam tournament. Back in London, when I had to explain to the audience that I couldn’t play the final of the ATP finals, it was the worst. Then I’d rather have an ending like that.–
Was it the last Aussie Open for you?
The answer is the same as last year: I don’t know yet. Overall, I feel good, so I’m actually optimistic. But the season is still young and a lot can happen.–
Do you still believe in a Grand Slam victory?
Yes, I believe in that. I can do it with my game and form.–
And what do your next days look like?
I think I will recover quickly and then hopefully be fully fit for the “Match for Africa”. I fly to Namibia on Wednesday, then to Cape Town on Thursday, where I stay until Sunday. After that, of course I want to quickly start training again to start in Dubai. But we’ll see all of that for now.—
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