Six-time champion Roger Federer has returned back to winning ways at the ATP Finals after brushing aside a substandard Dominic Thiem 6-2, 6-3, in his second round-robin match.
Tuesday’s nighttime clash was an opportunity for Federer to get redemption following his sluggish start to this year’s tournament. On the opening day, he lost to Kei Nishikori in what was his first straight sets defeat in 46 round-robin matches played at the ATP Finals. Nevertheless, the world No.2 has never lost his second match played at the tournament. A trend he maintained with a solid win over a sluggish Thiem, who produced three double faults and 32 unforced errors.
“That feels good, I’m very happy that I showed a reaction after my last match against Kei.” Said Federer.
“No match is easy. It is something that I am not used to, losing (in the round-robin) and coming back and playing again. It was a good exercise and a great challenge for me.
“I’m happy with my attitude, with how I played and that was good fun against Dominic,” he added.
Taking on Thiem for the for time since the 2016 Stuttgart Open, Federer benefitted from a series of mishits from the Austrian. During the opening set, both players appeared at times tentative on the court, but it was the 37-year-old who was more superior when it mattered. Three games into the match, Federer broke with the help of an overcooked Thiem forehand on break point. Gaining momentum, Federer continued to capitalize from the mistakes of his opponent. Securing a double break for 5-2 with ease before clinching the 6-2 lead with the help of a clean forehand winner.
As the matched progressed, so did Federer’s belief as he continued to tame his erratic and out of sorts rival. Muscling his way through set number two, the 20-time grand slam champion roared his way towards the finish line with. Closing the match out with the help of another poor Thiem shot on his second match point opportunity.
“Today I was more positive and happy on the court,” Federer commented about his performance. “I love playing in London. I reminded myself of what a privilege it is to play at the O2 and it helped a bit.”
Federer will next take on the inform Kevin Anderson, who thrashed Nishikori in straight sets earlier in the day. The South African in the only player in Group Lleyton Hewitt yet to lose a match. Federer leads Anderson 4-1 in their head-to-head but lost to him at Wimbledon earlier this year.
“It’s never easy to play against him regardless of the surface, but especially indoors.” Federer said of Anderson.”He can serve very well for a long time and he has shown that against me at Wimbledon.”
“I’m happy I get to play against him again and hopefully get my revenge.”
Federer is bidding to become the first man in history to win a seventh title at the ATP Finals this week.
