Roger Federer of Switzerland reaches to return a shot against Andy Roddick of the U.S. during their men's singles match at the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida March 26, 2012. (Photo: REUTERS)
World number three Roger Federer was feeling the pace of his busy start to the year after suffering a surprise 7-6 1-6 6-4 defeat to Andy Roddick in the Sony Ericsson Open on Monday.
The third round loss to the American ended a 16-match winning streak for the Swiss, which included his titles in Rotterdam, Dubai and Indian Wells.
"I came out a bit flat today, I was a bit tired, I guess, but it was more mental than physical," the 16-times grand slam winner told reporters.
"That's maybe 30 matches for the season. I am just feeling like it's taken its toll a bit, which is normal," he said.
"But I've played more tired in the past, so this was not the most tired I have ever been, but you just start to feel it a bit. I didn't just get the lucky break today that I got in Indian Wells."
After sharing the opening two sets, Roddick saved three break points against his serve in the opening game of the decider, went on to break his opponent immediately and maintained the advantage through to the end of the match.
"I have been playing so much. I tried to push myself and gave myself a fighting chance, and then when things were under control, he fought off those break point chances... and had the perfect game after that," Federer added.
"I regret missing those opportunities and giving myself maybe a chance," he said.
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