In Spite Of Loss In Brisbane Finals Federer Is Pleased With His Play

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 6th January 2014

Brisbane International Tennis Tournament

In Spite Of Loss In Brisbane Finals Federer Is Pleased With His Play

epa04008749 Switzerland's Roger Federer wipes sweat from his forehead while playing Australian Lleyton Hewitt in their Men's final match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane, Australia, 05 January 2014. EPA/DAVE HUNT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY |

Despite a 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 loss in the Brisbane final to Lleyton Hewitt, Roger Federer is well pleased with his start to the 2014 season after coming off of a year to forget. The Swiss travels to Melbourne for next Monday’s start of the Australian Open with good confidence despite getting off to the slowest of starts in the final against his longtime Aussie rival.

“I haven’t thought about it a whole lot,” 17-time grand slam winner Federer said of his chances to lift a possible fifth title in Melbourne. “I think I can play very well. 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.”

Federer was pleased with his decision to begin the year in Australia for the first time as he made a popular debut but in Brisbane which resulted in a record crowd in excess of 100,000 fans through the gate of the event. He also played in the doubles just to sharpen his eye and reached the semi-finals with Nicolas Mahut.

“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,” Federer said.

After dealing with back pain in 2013, Federer added: “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. Overall there were many good things (this week). I need to 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.”

Topics: 10sballs, Brisbane, Lleyton Hewitt, Nicolas Mahut, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News