Roger Federer stayed positive despite a shock five-set defeat to David Nalbandian in the Masters Cup final. The world number one went down 6-7 6-7 6-2 6-1 7-6 in a dramatic encounter for his first loss since going out of the French Open to Rafael Nadal in June.
"I feel like I've had a great year and a great tournament," said Federer. "Disappointment is always there, because I don't lose very often.
"I still get that feeling. It's good like this."
Federer had won his last 35 matches and 24 finals, and fought back from 4-0 down in the fifth set before suffering only his fourth defeat of the season.
The Swiss star was playing his first event for two months in Shanghai following an ankle ligament injury.
"I came much closer than I ever thought I would come to this tournament victory but in the end I cannot believe myself that I came back in the fifth," he said.
 |  This year was just incredible. At times I felt invincible |
"There's some pride in there because three weeks ago I was on crutches and now to be back playing at the best level - I'm very happy about that."
Federer conceded that he had fallen short of his 2004 standards this year, but was not exactly disappointed with two more Grand Slam titles.
"I guess last year was better because I won three Grand Slams, one Masters Cup," he said.
"I mean, I can hardly do better than that.
"But this year was just incredible because I was in so many streaks, hardly ever lost a match. At times I felt invincible, you know."
And he pinpointed the number one ranking and a fourth straight Wimbledon title among his main aims for 2006.
"Obviously, number one is going to be a huge priority for me, to try to maintain that ranking," he said.
"Wimbledon will, my whole career, stay a huge goal. Maybe I can give myself another chance at the French Open, you know. So I think those are my three goals."
MMIX
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