As things were unfolding until a couple of weeks ago, 2011 was threatening to become the worst season of Federer’s late career. Besides failing to capture a Grand Slam for the first time since 2002, the Swiss champion was left empty handed for more than 10 months, a period in which his best results were two finals at Dubai and Roland Garros. Moreover, after leaving a two sets to love advantage slip away at both Wimbledon and US Open, many were quick in writing him off, proclaiming the end of his era.
While Djokovic won most of the big prizes this year, his other rivals also enjoyed short moments of fame. Rafa ultimately shone on clay retaining his French Open crown after a difficult clay court season, while Murray found his brilliance in Asia ensuring a hat-trick in Bangkok, Tokyo and Shanghai. The only one to constantly struggle was the Swiss. Nevertheless, at a time when all the other contestants were jaded, injured and lacking focus, Roger came out stronger than ever. With title runs in Basel and Paris Bercy, he was again making headlines, getting himself back in the race for the ATP Masters Cup in London.
It was a vintage display from Federer under the O2 Arena's roof, as he topped the B group with victories over Fish, Tsonga and Nadal. His success over the latter was by far the most impressive, as it marked a clear demolition of his old time foe. The results of the other group worked in his favour and we next faced a semifinal date with David Ferrer, a player who barely troubled him in their 11 meetings. Things followed the same scenario, as Federer was too strong for the hard-working Spaniard who just didn’t have enough in him to challenge back. The win had an emotional edge to it, as the Swiss qualified for his 100 final. Also, he ensured enough points to pass Andy Murray in the rankings and finish the year at number 3.
The final showdown was nothing less than spectacular with Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga putting in a fierce battle. Serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set, Tsonga found the strength to break Federer’s serve to level to then push the set into a tie-break. He later fought off a match point at 6-5, before coming back to win the set and send the match into a decider. At that stage it was the Swiss’ brilliance that made the difference, a single break of serve being enough to guarantee him a record 6th ATP Masters Cup title.
Despite all the records he broke this week, the most important positive for Federer now is that he looks to have gotten back to his utmost best. The winning appetite is still stronger than ever and considering the recent success, the greatest player of all time has enough to build on going further in 2012. As he didn’t win a major this year, he will be keen on adding a few more titles to his already outstanding collection. However, this main objective for next year will definitely be the Olympic gold medal, his long term dream, probably the only one to elude him so far.
Thanks Federer, for a great end to a rather shabby season. You once again proved to be a genuine wizard in turning it all around. When most of your rivals were kaput following a demanding season, you found the strength to shine through, reminding everyone you are still greatest force in tennis. At the end of the year, you were the last one standing.
While Djokovic won most of the big prizes this year, his other rivals also enjoyed short moments of fame. Rafa ultimately shone on clay retaining his French Open crown after a difficult clay court season, while Murray found his brilliance in Asia ensuring a hat-trick in Bangkok, Tokyo and Shanghai. The only one to constantly struggle was the Swiss. Nevertheless, at a time when all the other contestants were jaded, injured and lacking focus, Roger came out stronger than ever. With title runs in Basel and Paris Bercy, he was again making headlines, getting himself back in the race for the ATP Masters Cup in London.
It was a vintage display from Federer under the O2 Arena's roof, as he topped the B group with victories over Fish, Tsonga and Nadal. His success over the latter was by far the most impressive, as it marked a clear demolition of his old time foe. The results of the other group worked in his favour and we next faced a semifinal date with David Ferrer, a player who barely troubled him in their 11 meetings. Things followed the same scenario, as Federer was too strong for the hard-working Spaniard who just didn’t have enough in him to challenge back. The win had an emotional edge to it, as the Swiss qualified for his 100 final. Also, he ensured enough points to pass Andy Murray in the rankings and finish the year at number 3.
The final showdown was nothing less than spectacular with Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga putting in a fierce battle. Serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set, Tsonga found the strength to break Federer’s serve to level to then push the set into a tie-break. He later fought off a match point at 6-5, before coming back to win the set and send the match into a decider. At that stage it was the Swiss’ brilliance that made the difference, a single break of serve being enough to guarantee him a record 6th ATP Masters Cup title.
Despite all the records he broke this week, the most important positive for Federer now is that he looks to have gotten back to his utmost best. The winning appetite is still stronger than ever and considering the recent success, the greatest player of all time has enough to build on going further in 2012. As he didn’t win a major this year, he will be keen on adding a few more titles to his already outstanding collection. However, this main objective for next year will definitely be the Olympic gold medal, his long term dream, probably the only one to elude him so far.
Thanks Federer, for a great end to a rather shabby season. You once again proved to be a genuine wizard in turning it all around. When most of your rivals were kaput following a demanding season, you found the strength to shine through, reminding everyone you are still greatest force in tennis. At the end of the year, you were the last one standing.
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| For a third consecutive Sunday, Roger Federer went head-to-head with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and their clash ended always with the same result. In the ATP Masters final, the Swiss beat the Frenchman 6-3,6-7,6-3 to claim a record sixth title at the event. |
photos: GETTY IMAGES
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