In-depth: Roger Federer shows no signs of slowing down despite missing golden chance in Big Apple

Not thrilled obviously, but he didn't look like he was going to toss himself into the Hudson River either. You can only give of your best, and hope for a bit of luck on such occasions. Trying to overcome the world number one Djokovic is such a tough assignment. There is not a massive gap between the two men when both play at their optimum levels, and it should not be forgotten that Federer is giving away six years to his nemesis from Serbia. If he had converted more break points, he may have broken Djokovic, but sport is always going to be about 'what if?'.

"I am playing a good year. I'm playing good tennis," said Federer. "I am happy with where my level is at. I'm able to be consistent, very consistent. Cincinnati obviously was a great feeling beating world number one (Djokovic) and world number two (Andy Murray) in the same week. I don't think I have done that before. Then of course it's also disappointment. Lost too many times in finals. But at the same time, I did win my tournaments, the ones I was supposed to. The year's not over yet. I usually do have strong finishes to the season, and I hope I can do that again."

Absolutely not. And why should he consider retirement when he is playing so well and so consistently at the age of 34? His fitness levels are also staggering in the autumn of his career. He appears to be untouched by time. The feeling must be within the Federer camp, and with Stefan Edberg's coaching, that another Grand Slam remains a viable project and an attainable reward for such vibrancy. Apart from Djokovic, there are not too many men out there who Federer can't conquer. And that list includes Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka. 33-year-old Flavia Pennetta retired after lifting the women's title on Saturday, but Federer is not going anywhere any time soon.

The second seeded Swiss recently rode roughshod over Djokovic in Cincy, but that was the best of three sets and was against an opponent tired after a few weeks in the heat of North America. He had enough chances to exert more pressure upon Djokovic, but could only convert four of 23 break points. You can't make it if you don't break it

"There were a lot of opportunities lost, I know why I lost," acknowledged Federer. "Yeah, surely I am very disappointed. It’s just so nice to feel that they (the fans) want you to get back in the match, they want you to win. I’m happy the people stayed after the rain delay and that they were right there when I needed them to the very, very end.

"So something I will work on, and keep moving forward, you know. It's no problem for me."