Sports

Roger Federer names Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as US Open favourites after Cincinnati defeat

321

Roger Federer was speaking after his defeat to Novak Djokovic in Ohio (Picture: Getty)

Roger Federer insists Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are deserved favourites to win the US Open.

Djokovic won the last Grand Slam at Wimbledon and backed the victory up by coming out on top in Cincinnati this week.

Defeating Federer 6-4 6-4 in Sundays final, Djokovic became the first player to win all nine Masters 1000 events.

More: Tennis

Federer believes Djokovic will contend for the US Open title next month and also reckons world number one Nadal will enjoy a run at Flushing Meadows.

I think it will be a very exciting end to the season, because everybodys going to probably be healthy or healthier again, Federer said when asked to assess the US Open.

Advertisement Advertisement

Its nice to see Novak has come back, and Milos has been playing great tennis again. Stan seems solid again. Same with Nishikori. These are all guys that we were missing for the last nine months or so.

Federer was outplayed by the impressive Djokovic (Picture: Getty)

So thats going to be fun. Im not the favorite; they are. Rafa and Novak, in my opinion.

But Im happy that my level, you know, is there. I just need to figure out my game, get used to different balls.

Thats going to be just something Im going to be working on. I just gotta come up with a lot of energy, and then hopefully I also have a chance after 10 years to do something special again at the Open.

I think its going to be an interesting US Open. I dont know if its going to be 16-seed for sure at the Australian Open, but it looks good.

World number one Rafael Nadal (Picture: Getty)

I still think this US Open draw, as well, is going to be quite entertaining, and I cant wait for the US Open to come around.

Federer was bidding to win the Cincinnati Masters for the eighth time but failed to compete against Djokovic, being broken twice on the way to a straight-sets loss.

Congratulations to Novak for writing history, Federer said on court. Its an amazing effort… not just today but throughout your career. You should be very proud.

Advertisement Advertisement