Former world number one Roger Federer has played down his defeats to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

Federer lost in straight sets to the Spaniard earlier today after losing his semi-final showdown against Djokovic on Friday in similar fashion.

However, the 16-time Grand Slam winner insists that the tournament has prepared him for the season ahead.

"It's about getting ready and feeling fine out there and enjoying a great atmosphere here and having the chance to play world-class players," he said.

"Obviously I could tell Novak and Rafa are playing really well. That is not a surprise to me. I expected them to be in good shape for next year and they proved that to me this weekend."

Federer is expected to begin the season by playing at the Quatar Open, starting on January 2.