After "disappointing" hardcourt run, Federer survives Shanghai opener

HIGHLIGHTS: Roger Federer defeats Daniil Medvedev in first round of Shanghai Masters, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4

Roger Federer says he is eager to bounce back from a hard-court season he described as "a bit disappointing," returning to competition this week as the defending champion at Shanghai.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion fell to John Millman in the fourth round of the US Open, saying he was affected by the unusually heavy conditions in the stadium, and produced an error-prone performance against Novak Djokovic in the Cincinnati final.

"US Open, I had some issues with, I don't know—it was just extremely hot and humid," said Federer during an interview with TennisTV, adding he has rarely had such problems but was just glad to get off the court that evening. "Millman played a good solid match.

"Cincinnati, I think I played a decent tournament considering I didn't play like I can—making the final is actually not so bad. Disappointing final for me, I know I can play so much better."

But the world No. 2 is now switching his attention to the Asian and indoor events.

"It was a bit disappointing, maybe, but at the same time, it is what it is. There was no time to dwell [on] it. It was about reacting, showing my reaction," said Federer, noting he was happy with his performances at the Laver Cup team event, which he is involved in running.

"I was excited to play again, show what I can do. So actually I'm feeling really good about the [the rest of the] season right now."

Federer could drop to No. 3 or No. 4 in the rankings if he does not have another deep run at Shanghai this week, where both Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro could potentially move in front of him.

Federer is the top seed in Shanghai, and won his opening match over Daniil Medvedev in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

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