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Wednesday, May 5, 2004
Practice will make perfect for faltering Federer
By AFP
ROME - World number one Roger Federer believes practice will make perfect following his shock second round exit at the Rome Masters.
Federer, the number one seed, took the first set against Spaniard Albert Costa, only to lose 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to the 2002 French Open champion on Wednesday.
Playing in his first clay court match of the year and with
Roland Garros less than three weeks away, Federer said it was time to
go back to the drawing board to iron out the mistakes that cost him a
place in the last 16 at the Foro Italico.
"I'm not happy with my serve, my return and sometimes my forehand -
even though that is my biggest weapon," said the Swiss 22-year-old, the
Australian Open champion.
"Very simply, I have to go on the practice courts. Because I haven't
been playing well in practice, I haven't performed well in matches.
"The only thing that will bring my confidence back is to practice.
Hopefully I will be ready for the French Open later this month, because
so far I am not really happy with my game."
Federer refused to blame his rusty performance on the three week
break he took following Switzerland's Davis Cup quarter-final against
France.
"Everybody has been talking about me taking time off, but I think
people are being too dramatic about this defeat," said the reigning
Wimbledon champion.
"I cannot change anything but this is not a disaster, because I know how tough the clay court season is for me.
"This was an open match. Albert is a very good player and I think we should respect his game a little more."
Federer was upset at being whistled by sections of the Rome crowd after his poor showing against clay court specialist Costa.
"It shows a lack of respect because I ran for every ball for over two hours, and I myself am disappointed that I lost," he said.
"You know, I didn't get any applause, nothing. All I can say is I
always give 100 per cent and it's a pity to see such reactions."
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