Roger Federer reveals he wanted to DISAPPEAR after THIS happened amid Paris Masters charge
ROGER FEDERER has revealed he wanted to disappear after losing to Tim Henman at the Swiss Indoors back in 2001.
Federer is the king of the Swiss Indoors having won the competition nine times throughout his career, with the first coming in 2006 and the most recent this year.
The 37-year-old has, though, not always enjoyed the taste of glory in Basel.
Roger Federer, who is currently aiming to add another Paris Masters title to his collection, lost two finals earlier in his career.
The Swiss star lost the first one to Sweden’s Thomas Enqvist in 2000, before then falling to Tim Henman the following year.
And Federer has now revealed the defeat to Henman left him wanting to ‘disappear into a hole’.
“I already lost in the final the year before and thought: I can get him, now it‘s my turn,” he said.
“He beat me in straight sets which was a shock.
“I thought: Oh God, I will never win here.
“During the trophy ceremony, I would have loved to disappear in a hole.
“If someone told you then ‘no problem, you are going to win here at least nine times’ I would have said to him: No chance.
“I will never win here, that‘s the way how it looks.
“I was young and wanted to win desperately.
“Until I realised that I have to work more businesslike and take one match after the other.”
Federer is set to face off against Fabio Fognini at the Paris Masters later today.
But the veteran has hinted he could withdraw if he feels it puts his involvement at the London Masters in doubt.
He added: "I'm happy to play here in Bercy, you know, I think I've recovered well from last week, so yes, I could give it all, I'm excited.
“As long as I do not put myself in danger for the London Masters is the most important.
“I’m going to listen to the signs this week, I'm feeling good today and I've had two days of rest that have been good.
“I always want to keep the door open for Paris and I'm happy to be here, and it's been a long time since I've played in this city."
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Roger Federer Grand Slam honours
Australian Open - 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018
French Open - 2009
Wimbledon - 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017
US Open - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008