Roger's real talk: "I've played 45 matches this year"

Coming into the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Roger Federer looked to wipe the slate clean after losing a heartbreaking Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic.

On Thursday, the world No. 3 was sent back to the drawing board when qualifier Andrey Rublev knocked out the seven-time champion, 6-3, 6-4, in the third round. With just two North American hard-court matches played, having skipped Montreal a week earlier, Federer was asked if there were any concerns about his less than ideal preparation for the US Open.

The Swiss was sharp and direct with his answer, replying, “Yeah, I’ve played 45 matches this year, so I think I should be fine,” ending with a slight laugh.

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Although he hasn’t lifted a major trophy in 2019, Federer is 39-6 on the season with three titles. Though disappointed in not gaining more match play this week, the 38-year-old is looking at the bigger picture.

“[It’s always] very important for me to see that I'm injury-free and I'm feeling good. Regardless of what the outcome of this week, I'm happy I came here, had good practice sessions,” said Federer. “I'm going to train, exactly what I need to do for the Open, and that's it. It's fairly simple, but I've got to work hard.”

Federer will look to triumph at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2008, when he defeated Andy Murray for his fifth consecutive crown at the New York major.