"I'm already over it" - Federer remains upbeat despite loss in Doha

After making his triumphant return to the tennis court following a 405 day hiatus, Roger Federer looked to improve his 2021 ATP season record to 2-0 when he faced Nikoloz Basilashvili in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open.

However, it was not to be as the Georgian defeated the Swiss superstar 3-6 6-1 7-5 to advance to the semifinals. Nonetheless, Federer seemed pleased with his level of play, and was happy with the results of his first two matches in over a year.

“Look, I come from so far away that I’m happy I was able to play back-to-back three-set matches against top players," Federer said in his post-match press conference. "That’s an important step forward to me… I’m not 100 percent yet. I can feel it. I can see it.”

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The former World No.1 went on to state that he would not be weighed down by this loss, adding that he was pleased to be back on the ATP circuit.

"No, no, no. This one is super easy, I’m already over it," revealed Federer. "I mean, I would have loved to play tomorrow, don’t get me wrong. But at the same time I’m also happy to get a rest. I’m happy how I played today. I’m happy how I did yesterday. I’m happy I was back on the tour… So it’s really, really a positive return for me. I’m really happy.”

Click here for results and live scores from Doha.