Federer forgets davis cup woes

Swiss star clears the air on misinterpreted remark about doubles partner Wawrinka on eve of Rotterdam opener

Roger Federer on Monday began putting his weekend Davis Cup disappointment well behind him as the popular Swiss made a return to the Rotterdam Open for the first time since winning the 2005 title.

The world No 3 and his family flew to the Dutch port city only a day after Switzerland suffered a 5-0 thrashing from the United States in Davis Cup tennis play in Fribourg.

Adding insult to injury was the mis-translation of Federer's French remarks into English after he and Olympic gold-medal partner Stanislas Wawrinka were beaten in doubles.

While Federer said: "I played a good doubles, and Stan not a bad one," the remark was reported in English as Federer saying his partner played poorly.

But the Swiss said the matter has been put to rest along with any lingering memories. "It was a tough weekend for us, we were clearly not at our best at home," said the 30-year-old, who begins Rotterdam play as the top seed on Wednesday against Frenchman Nicolas Mahut.

"It was a disappointing result. But I had a day to recover on Sunday and that helped. The Stan comment was taken completely the wrong way.

"I'd never say that, and I'll move on quickly. I spoke with both (captain) Severin (Luthi) and Stan to make sure there is no misunderstanding."

Federer will be competing at the Ahoy stadium for the seventh time in his career and is keen to come good after seven years away.

As the lone member of the tennis top four to play the Davis Cup and planning to carry on here this week and later in Dubai, Federer said that he is working with a purpose this month.

"I tried to make Rotterdam happen in 2011. but it's happening now. I just felt it was the right thing to do.

"I'm feeling healthy and have had no problems with my back (pain) from Doha. I'm perfectly fine after the Davis Cup."

Federer leads the field, with Czech Tomas Berdych seeded second ahead of Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, making his debut at the indoor event.

Del Potro skipped Argentina's weekend Davis Cup date, which ended in a 4-1 rout of Germany.

Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a shot against Nicolas Mahut of France during their men's singles tennis match at the World Indoor Tournament in Rotterdam, Feb 15, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

The No 10 was pleased for his teammates but had not been willing to risk his fitness after just getting back to rhythm following two tough seasons of wrist-injury drama and recovery.

"We've never won the Cup and it's something we really want. Going from indoor clay to this carpet could be dangerous for me," said Del Potro.

"I didn't want to risk it this time, I've had bad experience with injuries. It was a precaution but still a tough decision."

Agence France-Presse