Gonzo: First set crucial

Gonzalez - the tenth seed - refused to be overawed in his first grand slam final and bravely matched Federer every step of the way in the opening exchanges.

The first Chilean grand slam finalist since Marcelos Rios at Melbourne Park in 1998, Gonzalez had two set points at 5-4 in the opener before losing 7-2 in the tie-break.

"The match may be different if I had won the first set," Gonzalez said.

"Maybe I lose in four but I think every time I play him I never win the first set so that was maybe a key."

Gonzalez - who will rise to number five when the new world rankings are released on Monday - employed his considerable defensive skills throughout the match but Federer's ploy of constantly working his exhausted opponent around the court paid off.

"He moved me around really well, was playing very good against the wind," Gonzalez added.

"He took me out of my position, it was tough."

The 26-year-old was adamant that - despite suffering his tenth defeat in ten career meetings - he could still reach the top of the rankings.

"I think I can [be number one] I have to be ready when Roger comes down little bit," he said.

"He's on the way to be the best player ever but he makes things very simple and whenever has chance he takes it.

"I'm at a good level, I'm still improving and I can still improve further. It's been a very positive tournament for me.

"Of course he's beatable but it's tough. I think every match is a new match so I'll have to try next time.

"He was missing a bit with his forehand, he gave me a chance but only in the first set after that he was playing too good."