Roger Federer says that learning to deal with defeat and injury is a necessary part of the learning process for becoming a great player.
"I never worry at moments like now that I won't hold up for the entire season, because I do, I think, plan decently and well, so I manage all the expectations for myself," Federer told reporters in Doha. "Sometimes you just go through tougher moments. It's also part of a good player, being able to put that aside and still play good tennis. I promise you I had a lot of pain throughout my career, and I've managed to play with it.''
The third-ranked Swiss added that ending 2011 on a three-tournament winning streak was crucial.
"It takes a little bit of adjustment, but you can definitely take confidence from the end of the year and just carry it over because you're in a good mindset," Federer said. "You know, you just believe you're doing the right things in the court. You're not second guessing yourself. Confidence is a huge part of our life sometimes as a tennis player. I'm ready for a good season."