Revenge And Redemption On The Mind Of Roger Federer Ahead Of Djokovic Clash

It was the outcome that many tennis fans wanted at the ATP Finals, but not necessarily Roger Federer.

The chances of the Swiss maestro reaching the semi-finals of the event hangs in the balance ahead of his final round-robin match. Where he will take on nemesis Novak Djokovic. Whilst their head-to-head look deceivingly close at 26-22 in favor of the world No.2, it has been four years since Federer has won a match.

Twice the 38-year-old loss to the Serbian last year in Cincinnati and Paris. Then in July, he was ousted in a marathon encounter at Wimbledon where he failed to convert two championship points.

“I’m excited about playing against him. I’m excited to see how he’s going to play tonight (against Thiem), as well. It’s definitely going to give me some more information about what to expect.” Federer previewed about meeting No.49.
“But other than that, I think I need to focus on my game, what I do best. And regardless of what I need to do, I just hope I play well.”

A lot of happened since their Wimbledon encounter. Earlier this week Djokovic believes his rival will not be mentally affected by what happened at The All England Club. Hailing him as ‘one of the greatest players to ever hold a racket.’ Although Federer is human and undoubtedly there will be some kind of scarring.

“I think we both can take away some confidence from that match. Him obviously a lot. Me maybe a tad bit less.” Federer explained.
“It’s good for me to play him again, and maybe that all helps to get a chance to get him back or whatever it is, but at the end of the day, I’m here for the World Tour Finals and not because of the Wimbledon final.” He added.

This week has so far been a turbulent experience for the 20-time grand slam champion, who lost to Thiem on Sunday. An almost identical scenario to 12 months ago why he lost his opening match to Kei Nishikori before progressing to the semi-finals. Losing to eventual champion Alexander Zverev.

One has to wonder if his losing starts to the London extravaganza is linked to his decision in recent years to reduce his schedule on the tour. Therefore limiting his match play. Excluding the Laver cup, Federer has played two tournaments since the US Open. One of which was in Basel when he won his 103rd tour title.

“I don’t necessarily think I’m a player who now needs a million matches to feel good on that day, but it’s true with every place you go to, it probably takes you two days, five days, three matches to feel perfect.” He admits.
“In the beginning, everybody feels a little bit uncomfortable, and that’s no different for me. It’s just getting used to the conditions, the flight of the ball, the ball pressure, the altitude, whatever comes with it.”

Should Thiem defeat Djokovic on Tuesday evening, he will qualify for the last four. Leaving the two members of the Big Three to fight it out for the other remaining semi-final spot in their group. A mouthwatering prospect for the event organisers.

A breakdown of the rivalry

By tournament

Grand Slams: Djokovic leads 10-6
ATP Finals: Djokovic leads 3-2
Masters 1000: Djokovic leads 11-9
ATP 500 events: Federer leads 4-2
Davis Cup: Federer leads 1-0

By year