LONDON: The only consolation for a frustrated Roger Federer is that he is exiting the ATP Finals without any injury woes.
The six-time champion was denied the chance of winning the title for the first time since 2011 after suffering straight-sets loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas. Bringing a bitter end to a season where the 38-year-old has claimed four ATP titles. None of which were at a grand slam tournament. In his latest match, the Swiss Maestro struggled at times to generate consistency in his game as he leaked 29 unforced errors.
“I tried everything I could, to be honest,” Federer said during his press conference. “I tried to chip it, tried to stay back and hit some. I tried to come forward. And for the most part, I actually tried to play up in the court and tried to play aggressive, but of course with his aggression, it’s not always easy because he always takes the ball very early himself too.”
Federer’s error tally was not the most troublesome aspect of his game, it was his break point success rate of only one out of 12. Shortly after this match, Tsitsipas said he said he was happy to handle what felt like a ‘mental struggle’ to him on the court. However, Federer has a different viewpoint.
“Spinning it (the ball) into the body and then getting an error, I don’t know if that’s, like, mental toughness.” He argues.
“Sure, he didn’t double fault, he didn’t do anything silly, and he’s tough as nails.’
“I’m frustrated that I couldn’t play better, and when I did and fought my way back, I threw it away again.”
The 38-year-old now has a 2-2 head-to-head record against his younger rival, who was just a four-year-old when he made his debut at the ATP Finals back in 2002. He also lost to him at the Australian Open.
Tsitsipas is the first Greek player to reach the final of the season-ending event and the youngest since Juan Martin del Potro back in 2009. He has reached nine ATP finals so far in his career with six of those occurring this year.
“He’s tall and he’s strong up there (upper body). He can loop it and come down on it, and that’s why I also believe he’s good on faster courts and on slower courts. It’s going to be very beneficial for his career.” Federer said of his rival.
“Obviously it’s his footwork that’s always on the aggressive side. Any short ball will be attacked, and I think he does that very, very well. He’s one of the best at that in the game.”
When a member of the NextGen scores a notable win, there is always the same question. Is the change of guard in men’s tennis coming soon? This year they are four players in the ATP Finals under the age of 23 for the first time in a decade.
“I look at the list of who finished World No. 1, who has been World No. 1 all these years, and it’s just crazy that it’s always one of us (the big four). But we are not getting any younger. So chances increase not because we are getting worse but because they are getting better, I believe.” Federer concludes.
Federer will now fly to South America where he will play in a series of exhibitions next week.
