Roger Federer identifies most difficult career defeats

Roger Federer has shared insights into the most difficult defeats of his professional tennis career, noting that his 2019 Wimbledon final loss to Novak Djokovic was not his most painful. While many observers view that match as a defining setback due to Federer missing two match points, the Swiss player stated that he felt he played at an exceptional level, similar to his semifinal victory over Rafael Nadal.

Federer identified his loss to Juan Martin del Potro in the 2009 US Open final as the most difficult defeat of his career. He noted that he missed too many opportunities during that match while attempting to secure his sixth consecutive title in New York.

He also cited the 2008 Wimbledon final against Rafael Nadal as his second most difficult loss. In that match, Nadal ended Federer's streak of five consecutive Wimbledon titles after Federer had fought back from two sets down and saved two match points.