Roger Federer still seems perturbed that his commitment to the tournament in Dubai was questioned back in 2002, when Rainer Schuettler beat him, 6-3, 6-1. Federer has won five titles in Dubai and reached the final on seven occasions. "This has been one of the tournaments I had a rocky start to—Dubai," Federer told reporters. "I was criticized for not giving the best effort when I lost to Schuettler. That was tough for me because I was in the second round in singles and doubles. So for people to question me was not very nice. I know the last two games weren't beautiful, but, you know, it's a quick court and quickly can look in a way that you're not interested. Rainier was better in that match. For me to then come back the following year and win the tournament and win so often now is a beautiful thing."
Federer still smarts over '02 Dubai criticism
By Mar 04, 2012Zheng Qinwen withdraws from United Cup to focus on Australian Open
By Dec 22, 2024Next Gen ATP Finals
Joao Fonseca to play for Next Gen ATP Finals title a day after reconnecting with Rafael Nadal
By Dec 21, 2024Nadal's farewell
Rafael Nadal and the importance of doing "what you have to do first"
By Dec 21, 2024pickleball
Nick Kyrgios to make pro pickleball debut in 2025 with Jack Sock in Australia
By Dec 21, 2024Tennis.com Interview
Mouratoglou Academy opens first full-fledged U.S. facility in Florida
By Dec 21, 2024The Business of Tennis
Coco Gauff recorded the third-highest earning season ever for a female athlete
By Dec 21, 20242024 Year in Review
TENNIS.com's 2024 ATP Match of the Year: Novak Djokovic conquers Carlos Alcaraz at the Olympics, and finally wins gold
By Dec 20, 20242024 Year in Review
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner put on a Beijing show and all of 2024's best ATP matches
By Dec 20, 2024Social
Stefanos Tsitsipas 'couldn't be prouder' of Paula Badosa for winning 2024 WTA Comeback Player of the Year
By Dec 20, 2024Federer still smarts over '02 Dubai criticism
Published Mar 04, 2012