LONDON: A duo of light-hearted antics from his opponent Jack Sock failed to derail Roger Federer from clinching a 6-4, 7-6(4), win on the opening day of the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
The Swiss world No.2 began his historic campaign at the O2 Arena with an array of winners from both the forehand and backhand side. Prompting huge roars from the animated crowd, who kept bursting out with renditions of ‘let’s go Roger, let’s go.’ Federer is playing in the season-ending event for a record 15th time in his career. Surpassing second place Andre Agassi’s 14. In contrast, newcomer Sock is making his tournament debut.
“It was really just a matter of trying to keep the ball in play because it’s like the first round of any other tournament, where there’s always a struggle because you’re not quite used to the conditions, how the ball is flying.” Federer evaluated during his post-match interview.
“For a while you’re just happy to hit some good shots, focus on your own serve and have good intensity.”
A dream opening game saw Federer settle into the match instantly. Seeing the ball like a football, the 36-year-old slammed two consecutive forehand winners down the line to grab an early break. The early offensive proved crucial to the outcome of the opening set as Sock was unable to find a way to respond. The American produced glimmers of the talent that took him to his maiden Masters title in Paris, but it was tamed by Federer’s consistency on the court.
Despite the prize at stake, the match had a light-hearted feel to it. Illustrated best by a playful Sock. In the Seventh game a drop shot by the 25-year-old placed Federer in a prime position to hit a winner. Sock turned around to point his backside towards the 19-time grand slam champion. Only for him to miss the shot.
miss of the century pic.twitter.com/vKBV1a5CoG
— Ricky Dimon (@Dimonator) 12 November 2017
Sock was certainly giving the crowd entertainment, but it was Federer that was prevailing in the match as he sealed the 6-4 lead with the help of back-to-back aces.
Sock (🎥@TennisTV ) pic.twitter.com/I72jATmHpB
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) 12 November 2017
Firmly in the driving seat, a relentless Federer continued to test his opponent, but with a different outcome. Sock refused to be intimidated in the match, despite his losing 3-0 head-to-head record. The disparity in the level of both players reduced, resulting in Federer seeing chances come and go. Twice he had a chance to break and set for the match for 6-4, 5-4, but was denied by some spirited play from his rival. Two games later a similar scenario happened once again, earning Sock a growing fan base amongst the crowd.
With little to distinguish between both players, it was a tiebreaker that separated the man from the boy. Errors were prevalent from both players, but it was a Sock double fault at 4-4 that was fatal. From that moment on, it was Federer’s turn to seal the victory. Setting up a double match point with a cross-court winner before a Sock unforced error secured the win for him.
“It’s wonderful to be back (in the ATP Finals), especially after missing last year with injury. It was tough not to be here but at the same time I really enjoyed the battle for number one between Andy (Murray) and Novak (Djokovic).” Said Federer.
Throughout the encounter Federer didn’t face a single break point and won 90% of his first serves. Drawing admiration from world No.9 Sock, who was contempt with his own performance in the match.
“I don’t think I played too bad of a game.” Stated Sock.
“I gave myself a lot of chances in the first (set). Had some 30-Alls, had some Love-30s, some balls to go Love-40 a few times. In the second, he caught a serving rhythm.”
Sunday’s win gives Federer his 50th win of 2017 and his 12th against a top 10 player.
