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18:29 GMT, Sunday, 8 June 2008 19:29 UK

Beaten Federer looks to Wimbledon

Roger Federer

Roger Federer insists he remains a strong favourite for Wimbledon despite being thrashed by Rafael Nadal in the French Open final.

The world number one will head to London looking for a sixth straight Wimbledon title after his 6-1 6-3 6-0 defeat by Nadal at Roland Garros.

"I haven't lost on grass for five years now, six years?" said the 26-year-old.

"I still definitely feel very strong about my chances and being the big favourite going into grass."

He added: "You know, it's so far away, grass and clay, that losing in four or five or no chance like today, I don't think it has a big effect on me mentally.

"I mean, I've beaten Rafa 6-0 in a set. I've beaten him in finals before. I've beaten him also quite comfortably on previous occasions. Didn't really give me the edge on clay against him, you know."

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"After losing to Nadal so many times Federer's mind will be gone against him on any surface"
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Federer paid tribute to Nadal and insisted the scale of the defeat would not leave any lasting damage.

"I can only praise him for the level of play he's had for the last two weeks and today again under pressure.

"It's not like it's easy for him either. He handles it very well. To come up with a performance like this under pressure shows what a great champion he is."

He added: "After a loss like this you don't want to play Rafa again tomorrow, that's for sure.

"Right now, I'd say it's easier to lose this way as today, because all along the match you realise that there is nothing you can do. You're not going to win.

"I think it was the same thing for him, and this is probably why his reaction was not as intense as it usually is. That's because of the result.

"It's always more difficult when you lose when you really could have won. Today I lost, and I lost clearly."

And the Swiss star insists he can still win the title at Roland Garros, even with the 22-year-old Nadal in the field.

"I didn't come real close today so it's disappointing, because I really thought I was playing well the last few weeks and months," said Federer.

"And where I've come from the last half year or so, I'm still very pleased with the efforts I've put in.

"So to lose the way I did today, it's obviously hard and it's a rough loss, but it's OK. I'll move on from here, and I'll try again next year."



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Related to this story:

How Nadal beats Federer on clay (09 Jun 08 |  Skills )
Nadal storms to fourth French win (08 Jun 08 |  Tennis )
Nadal revels in 'perfect' victory (08 Jun 08 |  Tennis )
Federer v Nadal as it happened (08 Jun 08 |  Tennis )
French Open pictures (08 Jun 08 |  Tennis )

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