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Beaten Djokovic rues missed opportunities against Federer

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-09-14 09:59

NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic was left to mull over missed opportunities after he was beaten 7-6 7-5 7-5 by five-times champion Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the US Open on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia wipes his face with a towel while playing Roger Federer of Switzerland in their men's singles semi-finals match at the US Open tennis tournament in New York, September 13, 2009. [Agencies]

The fourth-seeded Serb led by a break in the first set and pushed world number one Federer hard in the second and third but was beaten in a highly competitive encounter.

"I had the feeling that I was close all three sets," Djokovic said.

"It's just that when I get close, when I am able to get to the break points or I'm up a break, I just start making some unforced errors.

"And I don't want to mention the word luck, but I didn't have it today. That's why I'm a little bit disappointed."

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After breaking Federer to lead 4-2 in the first set, Djokovic played a poor game to hand the break straight back.

"That's exactly the game," he said. "I think that's the worst game I played all match. Who knows? If I was 5-2 up, a lot of things can change.

"If you win a set, it's a big advantage. You could get the confidence and the opponent starts being a little confused and gets out of the comfort zone."

Djokovic said he was proud of the way he hung in there with Federer in the second and third sets but was disappointed he could not quite take advantage of his chances.

"I was trying to push myself and kind of wait for opportunities," he said. "When they have been given to me, I didn't use them. Again. That's what is a little bit disappointing. You're right there. You have to make an extra step, and you don't.

"But that's tennis. I have lost it. I had the opportunity and I didn't use it, so that's why I regret. But, you know, there are many more years to come."

Djokovic has slipped down a spot in the rankings since the start of the year but said he was concerned only with playing his best when it matters most.

"I don't like to pay attention too much to the rankings, points up, down, dropping, winning," he said.

"It's too confusing. So I just try to play my best tennis and (keep) this high quality of performance throughout the year."