Roger Federer still seems perturbed that his commitment to the tournament in Dubai was questioned back in 2002, when Rainer Schuettler beat him, 6-3, 6-1. Federer has won five titles in Dubai and reached the final on seven occasions. "This has been one of the tournaments I had a rocky start to—Dubai," Federer told reporters. "I was criticized for not giving the best effort when I lost to Schuettler. That was tough for me because I was in the second round in singles and doubles. So for people to question me was not very nice. I know the last two games weren't beautiful, but, you know, it's a quick court and quickly can look in a way that you're not interested. Rainier was better in that match. For me to then come back the following year and win the tournament and win so often now is a beautiful thing."
Federer still smarts over '02 Dubai criticism
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Published Mar 04, 2012