Roger Federer ‘feeling good’ despite Cincinnati exit to ‘super, clean’ Andrey Rublev

ATP Tour
Roger Federer wiping his face

He didn’t expect to make such an early exit, but Roger Federer was pleased with his performance at the Cincinnati Masters and also heaped praise on his conqueror Andrey Rublev.

Russian Rublev, who came through qualifying, scored the biggest win of his career as he upset the 20-time Grand Slam winner 6-3, 6-4.

What made the victory even more impressive was the fact that the 21-year-old took only 62 minutes to dispatch the former world No 1.

Seven-time Cincy champion Federer was impressed with Rublev’s third-round performance.

“You need an opponent that maybe lets you get by some tougher moments, but he didn’t do that,” Federer told ATPTour.com.

“He was super clean. Defence, offence, serving well. Didn’t give me anything. He was everywhere. It was tough for me, but an excellent match by him. I was impressed… I think I just have to play better overall to hang with him.”

The veteran was playing in his first tournament since Wimbledon, but he is not too concerned about his form ahead of the US Open.

“It’s also very important for me to see that I’m injury-free and I’m feeling good. Regardless of the outcome of this week, I’m happy I came here,” he said.

“I had good practice sessions. I worked very hard coming into Cincinnati and in that little season we had since Wimbledon, so I can maybe also utilise a couple of days off. I’m going to train, do exactly what I need to do for the US Open and that’s it. It’s fairly simple, but I’ve got to work hard.”

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