Andreas Seppi caught Roger Federer unprepared at the Australian Open. The Swiss star doesn't anticipate history repeating itself at Indian Wells.
Federer, No. 2 in the world, gets his rematch against Seppi in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells tonight, almost two months after the now-33rd-ranked Seppi dispatched of Federer in four sets in the third round of the Australian Open.
Federer told tennis.com that he's "happy to play him again," referring to Seppi, which could mean that Federer has a better game plan against the Italian in their match in California.
"I was very disappointed with the performance I had in Australia. I know he can play well and can beat me. That's not the problem," Federer said, according to tennis.com. "It was the way I was hitting the ball. I wasn't playing very committed. I wasn't sure exactly how I was going to hit my forehand and backhands. It was just a tough match overall and the match slipped away from me. So it was disappointing. I really thought Seppi did a good job and nice job of putting the pressure on me, as well. Because we all know how well he can hit his forehand and backhand and how steady he can be."
After that match, reporters offered up every excuse in the book why Federer play might's been off, but he put the onus squarely on his shoulders for the loss - his first in 11 matches against Seppi.
Federer doesn't expect a repeat performance at Indian Wells.
"I hope this time around it's going to go better," he said. "I will be prepared."
Which could spell an early exit for Seppi in his latest tournament.
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