20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer has vowed not to go ‘crazy’ as he closes in on winning his 100th tour title at this weeks ATP Finals.
The 37-year-old qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament on Thursday. Defeating Kevin Anderson in two sets to top his group despite losing his opening match on Sunday. Federer is now only two victories away from achieving the milestone in his trophy collection. An accomplishment that has only ever been previously achieved by Jimmy Connors. Connors won 109 titles between 1972-1996.
“Personally I’m still not thinking of the number 100.” Said Federer. “I won’t let that get in my head, make me go crazy because it should be something I’m excited about and not something I should feel extra pressure.”
After what has been a far from perfect week at The O2 Arena, the Swiss No.1 is keeping grounded about his chances of lifting the trophy this Sunday. His nemesis, Novak Djokovic, remains the favorite to triumph at the tournament. Djokovic has won four tournaments, including two grand slams, during the second half of 2018. His only losses were to Stefanos Tsitsipas and Karen Khachanov.
“As long as I think Novak is in the draw, he’s playing so good again, it’s never going to be easy.” Admitted Federer.
“I’m happy I gave myself the opportunity. I’m happy that I’m raising my level of play throughout this week. This is what I hope to do. It’s exciting to be in this situation now, no doubt.”
From now until his next match, some would expect Federer to be taking to the court to tune up his game. Although, practice sessions have been put to bed for the foreseeable future.
“I’m happy for a day off.” He said.
“The day after Nishikori, as we realized it made me happy, relaxed, motivated for when I do come on court, that it’s working. We kept that. I didn’t practice yesterday. I doubt that I will practice tomorrow.”
‘We are not employed by a club’
Federer’s triumph over Anderson was the ninth straight sets match that has occurred at the ATP Finals this year. Prompting Dominic Thiem to hit back at critics over the level of play among the field. The only encounter to go the full distance was between Marin Cilic and John Isner.
Alexander Zverev hinted that one of the reasons for the performances is due to the length of the ATP calendar, which lasts 11 months. Something he has branded as ‘ridiculous.’ In 2019 there will be a total of 63 tournaments taking place on the ATP Tour.
“The good thing is we as players are not employed by a club. I can walk right now out of the door and go on vacation if I want to. Nobody is going to stop me. They won’t like it, but I can. That’s a massive privilege, I believe, that a tennis player has.” Federer commented when questioned about the length of the season.
“But the way the tour is structured right now, I just think you have to be very disciplined within the team to decide what’s best for that player, and the player needs to also give his opinion.”
Whilst there are no plans in force to change the length of the calendar, the ATP is in full swing when it comes to their new innovation. On Thursday they announced that launch of the ATP Cup. A 10-day event that will feature 24 teams in Australia at the start of the year. The first tournament will get underway in 2020.
At the ATP Finals, Federer will play the runner-up of the Guga Kuerten Group on Saturday afternoon.