With Roland Garros defeat put behind him, Federer sets sights on Wimbledon

After Rafael Nadal handed his long-time foe a hefty 6-1 6-3 6-0 thrashing in the final of the French Open, the Swiss star will now happily shift his attention to the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, a tournament he has won four times.

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Federer insisted he will do his best to banish the painful memories of Sunday's historic defeat.  

"The clay-court season is over and the match is not of any further importance to me," he said.  

"The game will not help me for the grasscourt or hardcourt season. The best thing to do is to get over it and maybe speak about it after the US Open to see what conclusions you can draw for the claycourt season next year.  

"With two days between the final and now, it is completely out of my head and, to be honest, that suits me very well. The only positive from Sunday is that the match was not very long.  

"I have never or very rarely suffered that clear a defeat. But it does not make a difference how I lost the match. A loss is a loss and you have to get over it. All in all, it was a positive tournament for me. 

"It might be hard to understand but I left the tournament with a positive feeling - it was a big success for me." 

Today, Federer returned to the town where he began his impressive rise to stardom.   Back in 2003, he won the Gerry Weber Open and followed it up with his first success at Wimbledon.  It was the start of a 54-game winning streak on grass which Germany's Michael Berrer will try to end when he challenges the five-time Wimbledon champion in the first round. 

"The streak is very important and means a lot to me," Federer stated.  "I am well aware of the records I have set. I have not lost on grass in many years.  

"You could refuse to play when you are not in top shape but I will seek the challenge and hope to keep the streak in Halle.  

"It will be a tough match against Berrer. I must not underestimate him.".