Roger Federer: 'Stefanos and I played great, I like competing youngsters'
The defending Hopman Cup champions Switzerland will compete for the title for the second year in a row after a 7-6 7-6 win for Roger Federer over Stefanos Tsitsipas in an hour and 33 minutes for his third triumph in Perth this week in as many matches. Unlike Cameron Norrie and Frances Tiafoe who faded from the court in less than an hour against the great Swiss, Tsitsipas fought well and despite the fact he never created a break point it was an interesting encounter that saw plenty of nice points on both sides. The Greek saved three break points in the closing stages of the second set to endure the pressure and reach another tie break but it wasn't to be for him despite being two points away from taking both sets!
Both players had more winners than unforced errors and it was Roger who delivered another superb performance in the attacking department, taking the ball early and playing the first groundstroke after the serve deep inside the baseline. In addition, he won 25 out of 31 points at the net to keep the points on his racquet and prevail over the upcoming rival to send his country into the final where they will face Australia or Germany. After the match, Roger said it was a high-quality encounter, with both of them playing on a high level. Also, he talked about the new challenges that the young players bring and how he likes to play against them as it is always interesting and exciting.
The Swiss star also praised the backhand return of his compatriot Belinda Bencic and mentioned the day off he had with his family at the Rottnest Island, meeting quokka again and enjoying a great day with his wife and kids.
"You never play to lose and you always play to win, I think tennis is the winners' sport, nobody wants to lose and even though sometimes you have less to lose I'm not sure it is a good or a bad thing. I've got used to that over the years to be honest. I'm not always sure it is an advantage or disadvantage to be the favorite and I thought Stefanos came out and played a great match, so did I, very little unforced errors, just really good quality tennis, and at the end of the day that's what I see. The difference in the first set was maybe an ace or a double fault for either one of us and in the second set I maybe had a few more chances but it could have easily gone three sets.
I enjoy playing against young guns to be honest, they bring something different, something I've never seen before and that was the case today, that's why I'm still breathing heavily, I'm not getting any younger. It was great fun, I've enjoyed myself. I really enjoy watching Belinda play, the way she takes the ball super early, her backhand return is better than mine and I hope she can bring it again in the singles and in the mixed doubles. I really enjoy the Hopman Cup, this competition and this format, I tried everything I could and hope you guys enjoyed it.
Thanks for coming out again. I spent my day off at the Rottnest Island, going there for the third straight year and believe it or not there was quokka there as soon as we arrived. That was probably the sister of the one we saw a year ago and I will share a picture little later on the social media. People gave us privacy and we really enjoyed a great day."
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2Qll4yZ
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