Roger Federer ‘happy’ with post-US Open from despite shock loss

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Roger Federer salutes fans

Roger Federer insists he is pretty happy with where his game is at despite his semi-final exit at the Shanghai Masters.

Playing in his first tournament since suffering a surprise last-16 defeat to John Millman at the US Open, Federer looked to be in good nick for most of the Masters event in China this week.

That was until he came up against an inspired Borna Coric in the semi-final with the Croatian, who also beat him in the Halle final earlier this year, running out a 6-4, 6-4 winner.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner paid tribute to Coric.

“He didn’t give me many chances on his serve, and for me to stay with him, I should have maybe done a better job on my own serve,” he said.

“But then again, it wasn’t bad either. And then in the rallies, I thought he had more punch than me. Maybe it’s a lot of tennis this week, but quite honestly, I’m happy how I’m playing… This was a good week again. I’m happy about my reaction after the US Open.”

He added: “I thought he was better. I think he had more punch on the ball. He served better. I think that’s it.”

As for his own game, Federer emphasised that he was pleased with how he has played since his US Open loss.

“I’m actually happy. I feel like I’m explosive out there, returning well. Serving, I think, it’s okay, could be even a little bit better. I don’t think I played a match where I didn’t get broken, so that’s something a bit more unusual for me,” he said.

“But regardless, I think the court allowed for great ball striking. I felt like I got some great rhythm, whereas in Cincinnati I came out of the tournament, I was, like, ‘I don’t know where my game is. It’s the finals. Not bad. But I couldn’t tell you if I’m hitting the ball well or not’.”

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