Federer was one step too slow against Raonic

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Federer was one step too slow against Raonic

Despite falling in straight sets to Milos Raonic in today’s Brisbane International final, Roger Federer says he’s quite pleased with his result given the circumstances. Dealing with the after effects of a flu and some residual wobbliness, Federer says he’s relieved that he was able to even make the final in the year’s first event.

“Considering the week I’ve had I’m actually quite happy,” Federer said. “That’s why I’m not down or anything, or disappointed. If I would have known I would have made the final five days ago I would have been extremely happy.”

Still, Federer admits he’s not out of the woods with only a week to go until the year’s first major begins.

“Yeah, I still have a cough and the throat is a bit weird,” he said. “I definitely have to make sure I get over it as quickly as possible. … I’m going to rest up tomorrow.”

Federer, who will break his own record when he plays his 65th consecutive major at this year’s Australian Open, says believes he’ll be back to 100 percent by the middle of the week.

“The good thing is the off-season was great,” he said. “I have a base there, so I think within three or four days I should be back at 100 percent.”

Federer let his frustration show during the match against Raonic (see video below), and he admitted afterwards that he felt a bit “wobbly” out there.

“Just not there,” he said. “One step too slow. I definitely felt tired in my legs throughout the week. So then you feel that in defense, and you feel that in the important moments—every time I had a chance to create some better plays it wouldn’t be happening.”

Federer also added that Raonic’s firepower and tactics had a lot to do with the result, saying that the Canadian is looking like he’s ready to be an impact player in 2016.

“His consistent power is something that’s so impressive,” he said. “The focus that he brings to every single serve—I’ve always said that it’s amazing that he can do that. … Also tactically I think he’s better now than he’s ever been. He’s made a conscious effort of playing closer to the baseline.”

Raonic improved to 2-9 against Federer with the victory. The victory was a significant step for a player that had difficulty finding his stride after a minor foot surgery in May of 2015.

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