Advertisement

Help
You are here: Rediff Home » India » Sports » Tennis » Reuters > Report
Search:  Rediff.com The Web
Advertisement
   Discuss   |      Email   |      Print | Get latest news on your desktop

Revenge doubly sweet for Federer
Bill Barclay
Get Sports updates:What's this?
Advertisement
May 16, 2005 13:36 IST

Roger Federer [Images] enjoyed a second slice of revenge at the Hamburg Masters on Sunday with his victory over French teenager Richard Gasquet in the final of the pre-French Open event.

Gasquet had inflicted one of only two defeats on the world number one this year at the Monte Carlo Masters last month, making Federer's 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 victory in Sunday's final all the more satisfying.

Also Read


Federer retains Hamburg crown

Mauresmo reigns in Rome


Earlier in the tournament the Swiss beat Czech Tomas Berdych, who upset him in the Athens Olympic [Images] tournament last year.

"For me it was a tough, tough match," said Federer on Sunday. "It was a heartbreak that loss in Monte Carlo against him. He gave me a sniff and still I ended up losing so that was disappointing.

"I'm happy I got the chance within a few weeks to get him back.

"Today I played more angled shots and I used my kick-serve more. That's maybe what I have to do more of on clay.

"A match like this always helps looking ahead and I have a feeling after today's match that I have more options on clay. I'm using the drop shot more than I used to. All these little things are coming together. It's a good feeling."

BIGGEST GAME

Gasquet admitted the occasion had got to him a bit. He had reached only one ATP final previously -- in the French town of Metz last year -- and Sunday's game was the biggest of his career.

The teenager had to qualify for the event and he said: "I was a little tired and it was a final, a little bit different.

"I was nervous at the beginning but after that it was okay. I can see my future now. It's incredible. I won seven matches [here] and I only lost to Federer, that's very good."

Gasquet received a generous reception from the Rothenbaum crowd after his defeat and he can look forward to even more support at the French Open in a week's time, where he will be a dangerous floater in the draw.

"I have gained a lot of experience for my next tournament. I have a lot of confidence for Roland Garros," he said.

"But I don't have any specific targets. I have a lot of time on my side. I just want to give people some pleasure and I will do my best."



© Copyright 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
 Email  |    Print   |   Get latest news on your desktop

© 2008 Rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer | Feedback