A weekend title defeat in Canada has not dented the growing hopes of resurgent Roger Federer as the world No.3 keeps to a steady pace in his buildup for the US Open starting in a fortnight.
The Swiss, who turned 33 last week, said his 7-5 7-6 (7/2) weekend finals loss in Toronto to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was a disappointment but also a huge chance to gather more information on the current state of his improving game, which is bolstered by a fearsome new racquet.
While the Swiss missed out on his third title of the season after playing in seven finals, he did start putting the pieces in place as he begins as second seed at this week's final pre-grand slam tune-up, the Cincinnati Masters.
"There were things I could have done better, but overall it was a positive week," Federer said.
"I go away from this feeling good about my chances and also at the US Open and for the rest of the season."
Federer will be bidding to win his sixth trophy in Cincinnati.
After a first-round bye he starts in the second round with the winner from Canadian Vasek Pospisil and Czech veteran Radek Stepanek.
Toronto protagonists made their way quickly to Cincinnati for the week of polish on the hardcourt, with Tsonga flying out of Canada on Sunday night to be ready for Monday practice in Ohio.
On court in the first round, Spanish 16th seed Tommy Robredo advanced over American Jack Sock 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 while a pair of Germans advanced.
Philipp Kohlschreiber beat Jeremy Chardy of France 6-3 4-6 6-4 and Benjamin Becker surprised Ivo Karlovic 7-6 (7/5) 6-4 to end a six-match losing streak against the giant Croat.
In women's opening-round matches, American teenager Taylor Townsend beat Czech Klara Koukalova 6-3 4-6 7-5 while 19-year-old Madison Keys put out Alize Cornet of France 6-2 6-4.
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