It was a poor performance from Federer, by his own superlative standards, and it brought down the curtain on a claycourt season that, for him, was a damp squib after a promising few months.
"That's how it goes sometimes. I've got to change things around now for grass anyway," he said.
"I'm looking forward to that. It's been a difficult clay court season. I wasn't in the best shape physically, to be quite honest. Still, it gives me a little bit of a lift, coming into the grass court season now."
The grass court season for Federer traditionally means Wimbledon and what he has always maintained is the title that means more to him than any other.
This year though there are two Wimbledon titles at stake, the other being the Olympic title, the one major honour. He did win doubles gold for Switzerland with Stanislas Wawrinka at Beijing four years ago.
Federer, who will turn 31 in August, had his chances against Djokovic, especially in the second set when he jumped out into a 3-0 lead.
But in windy, variable conditions, he never really settled into his game, while Djokovic, who needed two five-setters in the two previous rounds, was able to establish more consistency in his game.
"I was struggling to sort of keep the ball in play long enough, even though I wasn't hitting the ball poorly," he said. "It's been a tough week for me. Maybe in these conditions today didn't help me, help the cause, let's put it that way."
"I did have enough chances, so it's no excuse there. I tried, and it just didn't work out today."
Date: 09.06.2012, Source: AFP
January of every year, i wait for Wimbledon. There is NOTHING like watching the Wimbledon. Sit back, have my favourite beverage/snacks & watch the BEST Grand Slam of the year!!!!
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