Is it a bad idea to lose to a rival in an exhibition?

I just noticed something:

- Federer had never lost to Soderling until 2010. There he loses the Abu Dhabi exhibition against him, and next match they play on the tour at Roland he loses.

- Federer had barely ever lost to Roddick. He loses their exhibition match in 2012 against him, and next match they play Roddick plays out of his mind and beats Roger.

So do you think players should take exhibition matches against big rivals more seriously? Can it give an extra pump to the rival if he was to win?

not really, Olderer was jet lagged for the Garden Match vs. Roddick.

Not to mention that Nadal has pretty much owned Federer in every exho match as well, except one I think.

not really, Olderer was jet lagged for the Garden Match vs. Roddick.

Yeah but maybe this Roddick win game him confidence for the next match in Miami!

Not to mention that Nadal has pretty much owned Federer in every exho match as well, except one I think.

And he owns him in the H2H too:angel: