Roger Federer has conceded he is not playing well enough to have a chance of winning the upcoming French Open.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner lost 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to Spanish journeyman Pablo Andujar in the Geneva Open on Tuesday, Federer's only tune-up event on clay before Roland Garros.
It was 39-year-old Federer's first match since his comeback in Doha in March after two knee surgeries ruled him out of action for more than a year.
"I think when you played so little and you know where your level is at, and I think you saw that today, how can I think of winning the French Open?" Federer said.
"I'm just realistic that I know I will not win the French and whoever thought I would or could win it is wrong.
"Of course, crazier things might have happened, but I'm not so sure in the last 50 years at the French Open, somebody just rocked up at 40-years-old, being out for a year-and-a-half and just go on to just win everything straight."
In the decisive set in Geneva, the top-seed Swiss forced a service break and led 4-2 before Andujar rallied.
Federer saved two match points on his own serve, but the third ended with a wayward forehand under pressure on the baseline.
Andujar, the world No 75, was playing Federer for the first time – despite on the tour since 2003 – held his head in his hands after securing victory.
"It's amazing. I still cannot believe," the 35-year-old, who has never went beyond the fourth round in a major, told ATPTour.com. "Playing him was a dream. But of course beating him is another level.
"It's very emotional to play him and to beat him, given the conditions for him coming back and he's not for sure playing his best tennis. But it really counts a lot to me."
The clay-court specialist has won four tour titles, but said beating Federer topped those triumphs. It counts "as number one, for sure", Andujar, who will face Marton Fucsovics or Dominic Stricker in Thursday's quarter-finals, said.
"To win a tournament could be more emotional, but this is something I think I will remember my whole life. I have a lot of respect and I admire a lot Roger Federer. Not a bad day at the office."
Graduated from the American University of Sharjah
She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters
Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks
Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
england euro squad
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Man Utd), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Defenders: John Stones (Man City), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Reece James (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders: Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Biography
Favourite Meal: Chicken Caesar salad
Hobbies: Travelling, going to the gym
Inspiration: Father, who was a captain in the UAE army
Favourite read: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
Favourite film: The Founder, about the establishment of McDonald's
Company Profile
Founder: Omar Onsi
Launched: 2018
Employees: 35
Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)
Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners
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Tuesday results:
- Singapore bt Malaysia by 29 runs
- UAE bt Oman by 13 runs
- Hong Kong bt Nepal by 3 wickets
Final:
Thursday, UAE v Hong Kong
Teams in the EHL
White Bears, Al Ain Theebs, Dubai Mighty Camels, Abu Dhabi Storms, Abu Dhabi Scorpions and Vipers
'Manmarziyaan' (Colour Yellow Productions, Phantom Films)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal
Rating: 3.5/5