Rome - Roger Federer will look to quickly curb his disappointment at losing a tight quarter-final at the Rome Masters on Friday, focussing on the big picture as he aims to put his clay game right in Hamburg. "To me it's just disappointing the way I lost today," said the Swiss top seed after failing to control Radek Stepanek in a 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (9-7) defeat.
"It's just I wish I could have played better, and I played so poorly on the big points. It's a tough loss.
"I regret losing the match, so the details don't really matter right now."
Federer will put the past behind as he heads to Hamburg to recoup with the defence of his title at that Masters event which begins on Sunday.
Despite missing his chances to take it into a third set while leading in a tiebreaker 5-2, the world number one tried to put the loss into perspective.
"This wasn't really a clay court match," he said of what became a serve-and-volley attack from the Czech. "I'd be a bit more worried if I were to lose against a guy who was playing real clay court tennis.
"This was a different match. It's like when you lose against (big-serving Ivo) Karlovic. He's a guy who gives you very little rhythm.
"You come off the court your a little rattled because he didn't allow to you play your game. Still, I think I should have won today.
The Swiss said that he is continuing on in his clay quest which he hopes will finally net a French Open title.
"I have played plenty of the matches so far, so I'm pretty pleased with my run," said last month's Estoril champion. "It's just a disappointing loss today, but you are always going to get those."
