Roger Federer meets with the media in London after beating Tomas Berdych in straight sets in his debut match at the ATP World Tour Finals. Roger spoke of Novak Djokovic and the gap he feels is not too big between him and the World No.1.
Roger Federer has had a convincing start at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. At his 14th consecutive participation in the last-eight event, Roger is bidding to claim a record 7th title. Speaking to the media after winning against Tomas Berdych in straight sets in his debut match at the O2 Arena in 2015, Federer explained how he feels the surface in London suits his game.
“It suits my game and sure it suits Djokovic’s game too. It helped me today against Tomas, after I had one of the worst start in years in a match like this. I managed to make the game more physical and it helped me today. I feel like whoever manages to take control of the baseline here ends up winning the match” explained Roger.
The Swiss revealed how the losses in Masters 1000 tournaments he recently faced in Shanghai first and the one in Paris after have given him extra time to get ready for the London big final event. “I was one of the first ones to arrive with Kei Nishikori. It was nice to have a chance to hang around and spend time with the kids and my wife. I arrived in Tuesday and practiced first at the Queen’s club and then the last few days here at the O2 Arena. Physically I feel really good“ said Federer with confidence.
Next for the Swiss will be already the big match of the tournament, as he will face Novak Djokovic, pitted to play in the same group.
Roger refused to define the match against Djokovic as “the match” and also revealed to one journalist how he feels the gap between himself and the Serb World No.1 isn’t big.
“I already played against Novak as first match two years ago, when the Paris Masters and the Finals were played back-to-back. It was a three-setter and I feel like none of us played great. It is a very important match, but it is not ‘the match’ for me. Considering how it is not a final, I feel like I will have a chance to try new things and see how that goes. I will discuss with my team and see what I can do. It will depend a lot on how far into the court Novak will allow me to go. I can’t step too forward on these courts, like I can’t play Serve & Volley, because the angles are too open. It is like a spider web. I agree players need to find a plan B, and I am going to work on it.
The gap between me and Novak? How big it is it depends on who sees it and the perspectives. How I see it? I don’t think I am far off Djokovic” concluded the Swiss.
