Federer: 'Got To Take The Losses. They're Part Of The Game.'

After more than two decades on Tour, Roger Federer has learned to treat losses as the individual moments they are.

The third-seeded Swiss bowed out of the US Open on Tuesday after his five-set defeat to Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov. Federer didn’t hide his disappointment at a missed opportunity for a sixth US Open crown and his first since 2008, but was quickly able to put the loss in perspective.

“Just disappointed it’s over because I did feel like I was actually playing really well after a couple of rocky starts. It’s just a missed opportunity to some extent that you’re in the lead, you can get through, you have two days off after. It was looking good,” Federer said. “But got to take the losses. They’re part of the game. Looking forward to family time and all that stuff, so… Life’s all right.”

Occasional losses don’t overshadow Federer’s highlight-filled year. The 38-year-old clinched his 100th ATP Tour singles title this March at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (d. Tsitsipas), then followed it up with fourth Miami Open presented by Itau crown (d. Isner) and a 10th title at the NOVENTI OPEN (d. Goffin). Federer also held two championship points before falling in the Wimbledon final (l. to Djokovic), reached the Roland Garros semi-finals in his first trip to that event since 2015 and finished runner-up at the BNP Paribas Open (l. to Thiem).

Federer’s efforts led have to him qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals, held at the O2 in London from 10-18 November, for a record-extending 17th time. He’ll build up for the season-ending championships with a packed schedule of events, including next week’s Laver Cup before heading to Asia for the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

The Swiss may need a day or two to shake off his loss to Dimitrov, but is optimistic that he can finish this season on a high note.

“I think it’s still been a positive season,” Federer said. “Disappointing now, but I’ll get back up, I’ll be all right.”