ROGER FEDERER NEWS
The young Greek player put pressure on the Swiss Veteran at the most crucial moments and played the tough points with no fear as the two battled it out. While he had opportunities, he just couldn't convert on crucial points and ended up losing the match 6-3, 6-4. Tsitsipas went on to win the Nitto ATP Tour Finals.
This year, the 20-time Grand Slam Champion came away with four tour events and ended the year ranked number 3. He does not plan on changing his approach to the 2020 season.
"I think I've got to keep on playing at the level like I have this year, and then I will create some chances. I thought I played some consistent, solid tennis," he said. "Got to take care of my body, listen to the signs, work with the team, get the balance right with everything."
Next, he will tour Latin America before enjoying the holidays with his family.
Roger took to the court today at the O2 Arena in a match against Novak Djokovic that would either keep him alive in the Nitto ATP Finals or send him packing for the year.
Taking on the world no. 2 in a re-match of the Wimbledon Final, Roger took a quick command of the court playing near perfect tennis. He kept his pedal on the gas and never let up dictating against the Serbian who seemed perturbed. Roger came away with a 6-4, 6-3 win propelling him into the semi-finals and moving forward out of the Borg group of Round Robin play.
November 12, 2019 -- London, UK
After deciding he's, "not allowed to lose anymore" in London, Roger took to the courts with a vengeance in his second matchup in the Borg group against Matteo Berrittini.
Soaking up the oppostunity to have lost his first match and still be a contender, the 6-time ATP Final Champion took it to the Italian and won the match 7-6 (2), 6-3.
”There's no reason to be too down [after losing to Thiem]. We came here to play three matches and give it all we have. It was the big goal of the season to qualify here, which we did," he said. "I had a day off and there’s plenty of ways to get rid of that loss. Hanging out with my kids will do that for me. I was ready and prepared today. That’s what matters the most right now.”
November 10, 2019 -- London, UK
The Bjorn Borg group began play on Sunday at the O2 Arena in London with Novak Djokovic beginning things against Matteo Berrettini. Following their match was Roger against the always tough Austrian, Dominic Thiem.
Thiem, who has won the last 2 meetings against the Swiss star, came out firing and showed no intimidation, proving why he belonged in the ATP's final 8. With just one break in each set, Roger fell in his first match 7-5, 7-5.
Roger complemented his opponent's play but also admitted he cannot lose another match and knows he will probably have to beat Djokovic to raise his 7th ATP Final trophy at the end of the week.
He will face off against Berrettini in his next match on Tuesday.
October 27, 2019 -- Basel, Switzerland:
Roger did it again. With ease, the 20-Grand Slam winner captured his 10th home town title in Basel defeating Alex de Minaur 6-2, 6-2. This also is his 103rd tour-level title.
"It's a privilege to live through such a perfect week. I never would've imagined to win here, let alone ten times," said Roger. “You saw it hit me again hard winning here in Basel. I don’t take these tournament victories as a normal thing. I take them as something quite unique and special, even though it’s been a lot by now. Every one has a different flavor and I try to enjoy them as much as I can in the moment.”
Having been a ball boy at the same tournament as a kid, this win in Basel always is one in which he holds dear to his heart. With emotions, he spoke about how special it is playing in front of the crowd and then kept to his tradition of celebrating with a pizza party with the ball kids.
While Roger was set to play Paris, he has decided to pull out of this week's tournament so he can pace himself for the ATP Year End Finals which will be held in London next month.