After Grigor Dimitrov took the fourth set against Roger Federer in Tuesday's 2019 US Open quarterfinal, the Swiss left the court for a medical timeout. When he returned, he could only muster two games in the deciding set, his unforced error count matching his points-won tally at 13. After taking the decider in 33 minutes, Dimitrov earned his first career victory against the five-time US Open champion, 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Leading by two sets to one, but down an early break in the fourth set, Federer held in an epic 22-point game to stay within striking distance in the stanza. But the Bulgarian escaped a love-40 hole when serving for the set, ultimately wiping away five break points to level the match at two.
In the press room after the match, the Swiss was asked to explain the issue that led to his off-court injury timeout.
"Well, I just needed some treatment on my upper—what is it—back, neck," he detailed. "Just needed to try to loosen it up, crack it and see if it was going to be better."
Prodded with questions on his health, Federer was more interested in shining the spotlight on his opponent.
"I thought he was tough off the baseline. He mixed up well, which gave me all sorts of problems with the rhythm. Could never really feel comfortable off the baseline," he added.
"That's something in the past I've always been able to dominate [against him], I'd say. That was not the case tonight," he said. "He did a good job there."
Elaborating on his physical status, he explained that he felt the problem "the whole time," but was able to play with it. Of course, it only felt worse as he fell behind on the scoreboard.
After looking sharp in consecutive three-set victories against Daniel Evans and No. 15 seed David Goffin—in which he dropped a combined nine games—Federer was understandably disappointed to see his run come to an end in this way.
"Just disappointed it's over, because I did feel like I was actually playing really well after a couple of rocky starts. It's just a missed opportunity to some extent that you're in the lead [against Dimitrov], you can get through, you have two days off after. It was looking good."
Looking forward, Federer said he plans to play Laver Cup and compete in "Shanghai, Basel, maybe Paris, London."
But having just turned 38 on Aug. 8, does the Swiss see more Grand Slam trophies in his future?
"I don't have the crystal ball. Do you?" he quipped.
"We never know. I hope so, of course. I think still it's been a positive season. Disappointing now, but I'll get back up, I'll be all right."
