The stats of the game tell two different stories – yes they tell you that Rafa Nadal won 6-1, 6-3 but they also say that Roger had 32 unforced errors to Rafa’s 8 during a match that lasted 1 hour 8 minutes. Another telling stat was that our Roger only won 56% of his first serves - down from 77% in his match against Paire in the semi final. There was a glimmer of hope in the second set when Roger won 2 games in row to go from 1-5 to 3-5 with some brilliant shot making. Unfortunately in the last game our champ had two unforced errors and at 0-40 Nadal sent down a good serve to clinch the Championship. As ever Roger was gracious at the end complementing Rafa on the way he played.
“It didn't go how I hoped and I was missing too many easy forehands and crucial points,” said Federer. “He does an incredible job returning form the back of the court and it is hard because he covers the court so well. You need to serve accurately. When Rafa is at his best he creates opportunities in rallies and dictates. It was difficult to change.”
Federer is now 76-35 lifetime in tour-level finals. Next up are the French Open, starting next Sunday.
Federer remains positive ahead of Roland Garros:
Roger Federer remained positive despite losing to Rafael Nadal on Sunday in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia final.
“I am playing well and I am healthy, so I have everything to play for next week ahead of Roland Garros,” said Federer. “This week was good to get an idea about what is working.”
After a short break, Federer will travel to Paris. It will mark the first time since 2000 he has not won a title prior to Roland Garros.
The Swiss admitted that Nadal “is now the favourite for Roland Garros”.
“Novak has beaten Rafa once in Monaco, so he knows how to win, but only Robin Soderling has beaten him in Paris. It will be difficult.”
Date: 19th May 2013, Source: RF Official and ATP
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