Federer praises opponent Rublev after shock defeat at Western & Southern Open: 'He was really perfect. It was a great performance'

Federer said that for him because he has never played him before, he couldn't really plan for it but that he was perfect in his performance.

He added that he was super clean and didn't give him anything in the contest so was impressed with the Russian.

"If I play Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic, I know more or less what they are going to do or can do. That's different with a player you play for the first time," said Federer.

"It's maybe a small advantage to have over us, but regardless, you've still got to hit the corners, hit the lines, keep it going. He did exactly that. He was really perfect today. It was a great performance."

"You need an opponent that maybe lets you get by some tougher moments, but he didn't do that," said Federer. "He was super clean. Defence, offence, serving well. Didn't give me anything. He was everywhere. It was tough for me, but an excellent match by him. I was impressed... I think I just have to play better overall to hang with him."

Despite losing out to Rublev, Federer is pleased that he is injury-free and feeling good and that he is looking forward to a bit of a rest after a busy year so far.

“It’s also very important for me to see that I'm injury-free and I'm feeling good. Regardless of the outcome of this week, I'm happy I came here,” said Federer.

“I had good practice sessions. I worked very hard coming into Cincinnati and in that little season we had since Wimbledon, so I can maybe also utilise a couple of days off. I’m going to train, do exactly what I need to do for the US Open and that’s it. It’s fairly simple, but I’ve got to work hard.”

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