• French Open

Federer proud in defeat

ESPN staff
June 1, 2010
Roger Federer was given a standing ovation from the Paris public © Getty Images
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Roger Federer has spoken of his pride after seeing his run of appearances at Grand Slam semi-finals stopped at 23. Federer slipped to a shock four-set defeat to Robin Soderling in the quarter finals of the French Open.

The world No. 1 was simply overpowered by the savage assault from the back of the court by the Swede.

He joked that he had a quarter-final streak up and running, but pointed that his stunning run of success showed the progress he had made at the highest level.

"It all comes to an end at some stage," Federer said. "I think it was a great run - now I've got the quarter-final streak going, I guess. It's been an amazing run.

"If I could have signed for all those semis in a row, I would've done it right away, so I've made incredible progress in terms of my play at the highest of levels, to be able always to come back and play semis after semis after semis in slams and give myself chances to win slams.

"I was able to win many of them, so I'm very proud of myself about that streak and it's probably one of the greatest ones I have in my history books."

Federer will not dwell on his defeat, as he was happy with the performance he put up on Chatrier court.

"I'm disappointed to a certain degree," he said. "I didn't think I played a bad match, so it's easier to go out this way. Conditions obviously were on the rougher side for both of us, and I thought he came up with some great tennis. So it's much easier to digest this way."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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