Roger Federer has admitted his disappointment at losing to Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Open.
After winning the opening set with a single break of serve, Federer was broken in the final game of the second as Nadal levelled the scores.
Nadal then broke again at the first time of asking in the deciding set to take firm control of the match in Ohio.
Federer did manage to keep the contest interesting and he saved four match points before eventually losing 5-7 6-4 6-3.
However, he concedes that he lost control of the match due to a lull in his performance at a pivotal moment.
"Credit to him for hanging in and getting back some tough shots," Federer told reporters.
"I have some disappointment, I could have played better late in the second and early in the third.
"But my tactics were working most of the time. I served well for most of the match but, when I didn't, he was able to step it up."
Nadal, who remains unbeaten on a hard court this year, has now beaten Federer 20 times, losing to him on just 10 occasions.
