Roger Federer enjoyed a second slice of revenge at the Hamburg Masters on Sunday with his victory over French teenager Richard Gasquet in the final of the pre-French Open event.
Gasquet had inflicted one of only two defeats on the world number one this year at the Monte Carlo Masters last month, making Federer's 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 victory in Sunday's final all the more satisfying.
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"For me it was a tough, tough match," said Federer on Sunday. "It was a heartbreak that loss in Monte Carlo against him. He gave me a sniff and still I ended up losing so that was disappointing.
"I'm happy I got the chance within a few weeks to get him back.
"Today I played more angled shots and I used my kick-serve more. That's maybe what I have to do more of on clay.
"A match like this always helps looking ahead and I have a feeling after today's match that I have more options on clay. I'm using the drop shot more than I used to. All these little things are coming together. It's a good feeling."
BIGGEST GAME
Gasquet admitted the occasion had got to him a bit. He had reached only one ATP final previously -- in the French town of Metz last year -- and Sunday's game was the biggest of his career.
The teenager had to qualify for the event and he said: "I was a little tired and it was a final, a little bit different.
"I was nervous at the beginning but after that it was okay. I can see my future now. It's incredible. I won seven matches [here] and I only lost to Federer, that's very good."
Gasquet received a generous reception from the Rothenbaum crowd after his defeat and he can look forward to even more support at the French Open in a week's time, where he will be a dangerous floater in the draw.
"I have gained a lot of experience for my next tournament. I have a lot of confidence for Roland Garros," he said.
"But I don't have any specific targets. I have a lot of time on my side. I just want to give people some pleasure and I will do my best."
