• ATP Tour

Federer goes down to Bellucci in Brazil

ESPN staff
December 7, 2012

Roger Federer suffered a first career loss to Thomaz Bellucci in an exhibition match in Sao Paulo on Thursday evening.

The 17-time grand slam winner went down 7-5 3-6 6-4, much to the delight of Bellucci's compatriots in the stands.

Despite claiming the second set in comfortable fashion, Federer let an early advantage in the third slip through his grasp as his Brazilian opponent held on for a popular victory.

Understandably unfussed about the defeat, Federer earlier pledged to return to Brazil in 2016 for the Olympic Games - as he bids to finally win a gold medal in the event.

However, to do so the 31-year-old indicated he will reduce his playing schedule over the next few years.

"I have to make sure that I take care of my schedule, of my body, of my mind,'' he said ahead of the contest.

"Hopefully I can still stay on tour for many more years and hopefully play the Olympics here in three and a half years or so, so I have to look far ahead and not just the next six months.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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