Top seed Roger Federer remained undaunted despite a shock defeat that put his bid for a Masters Cup hat-trick in serious jeopardy.
The Swiss champion was stunned by world number nine Gilles Simon for the second time this year, leaving him likely to need wins against in-form Andy Murray and Andy Roddick to progress. Simon won 4-6 6-4 6-3.
But Federer (27) took heart from events last year, when he was beaten by Fernando Gonzalez in his opening match before coming back to win his fourth title overall with some sensational tennis.
”Last year was difficult. I think this year will be easier because I’ve already gone through it just a year ago. I think that’s going to help me out,” he said after Monday’s match.
”I’m definitely in a more positive mindset today [Monday], just because my back feels good. I was a little worried coming in. So that sort of goes into a positive direction. I hope I can play much better the next match.”
Federer was forced out of this month’s Paris Masters with a back strain and he served with care here, hitting just three aces. After a vintage first set he struggled with his forehand and ended with 50 unforced errors.
He paid tribute to Simon, who proved that his July win against the then world number one was no fluke.
”The better you play, the better he plays,” Federer said. ”He’s quite a unique player and he makes you work hard and runs very well. Yeah, he’s unusual to play against.”
It was Federer’s 14th defeat in a season in which he lost his five-year Wimbledon streak and then the top ranking to Rafael Nadal after a record 237 weeks.
He also flopped in the Beijing Olympic singles but took doubles gold and claimed his 13th Grand Slam title at the US Open, closing on Pete Sampras’s record of 14.
Roddick, who plays Federer next after losing his opener to Murray, warned the Swiss would come out firing.
Last year the American was on the receiving end of a 6-4, 6-2 thrashing by Federer, who also humbled Nikolay Davydenko and Nadal before flooring David Ferrer in the final.
”I’m going to ask you to rewind to last year. I’m going to ask you who won this tournament, and I’m going to ask you how he did in his first match,” said Roddick.
”He’s going come out ready to play. I’m expecting his best. And I’m going to have to play well if I want to get a victory.”
Federer has pledged to use the eight-man Masters Cup as the springboard for his campaign to win back the number-one ranking. — Sapa-AFP