Federer eyes quick reaction to Rome KO

By Paul Virgo

ROME (Reuters) - Roger Federer said he would respond to his Rome Masters defeat by Czech Radek Stepanek on Friday with a successful defence of his Hamburg title next week.

World number one Federer lost the first set of the quarter-final on a tiebreak and twice came back from a break down in the second set before being undone again in a tiebreak to lose 7-6 7-6.

"(It means I have) more time for Hamburg," the Swiss player told a news conference.

"I look forward to defending my title there. I wish I could still be playing here but worse things have happened. So I hope I can bounce back strong in Hamburg."

Federer admitted he had trouble handling the aggressive style of the unseeded Czech, whose unorthodox willingness to charge to the net on clay paid dividends.

"He's difficult to play," said the 12-times grand slam winner. "He gives you little rhythm and he changes his game up a lot. I've played him in the past so it wasn't much of a surprise. I just wished I could have played better."

Federer also rued his missed opportunities:

"I led in both breakers and usually when I have a lead I don't let it go, so it's quite disappointing.