Roger Federer: 'Rafael Nadal gave me that last point with no drama'

Roger Federer will not fight for the ATP Finals crown in London next week, undergoing two knee surgeries and playing only one tournament in 2020. The Swiss claimed six ATP Finals titles in nine years between 2003-11, with the final two coming at the O2 Arena in London. Recalling his first success in the British capital, Roger talked about the 2010 title clash against Rafael Nadal, toppling the Spaniard in three sets. Following the Wimbledon quarter-final loss, Federer was the player to beat in the rest of the season, winning 34 of the remaining 38 encounters and reaching six finals in eight tournaments, enough to conquer four titles. Roger saved the best for last, recovering from that crazy Paris semi-final defeat to Monfils and capturing his fifth ATP Finals crown after a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over his greatest rival Rafael Nadal in an hour and 38 minutes. It was only their second meeting of the season and the eighth win for Roger in 22 meetings with the Spaniard, the third at the ATP Finals in as many clashes.

Federer's title was never in doubt that week despite losing a set against Rafa, overpowering world no. 1 in the third to claim the crown and finish the season on a high note. Nadal served at 77% and gave his best to stay in touch with the more superior indoor player, creating two break chances and seizing one in set number two. On the other hand, Roger was untouchable behind his first serve (37 from 40 points won), converting all three break opportunities to forge a crucial difference in the deciding set and cross the finish line first. The Swiss made more unforced errors and three times more winners than his rival, keeping the points on his racquet and avoiding long rallies while keeping his backhand safe. Federer had the edge in the shortest points up to four strokes thanks to his initial shot and the first groundstroke, toppling Rafa in the mid-range exchanges as he stood ready to fight from the baseline and construct the points in the best way.

Roger Federer claimed the first title in London in 2010 over Rafael Nadal. 

The match kicked off in a big way for the Swiss, hitting four winners in the opening game before a solid response from Nadal, who also held at love to level the score at 1-1 in his first ATP Finals title match. Roger's forehand worked like a charm from the opening rally, delivering another comfortable hold in game three after finding his range and keeping Nadal far from the ball. Four more winners in game five sent Federer 3-2 up in less than 15 minutes, and this was the pace that suited his game more, especially if he would find something on the return. That didn't happen in game six after another good hold from Rafa, who created a small chance on the return before Roger hit some marvelous volleys and forehands to grab four points in a row and avoid break chances. Nadal wasted a game point at 3-4, and Roger landed a perfect backhand crosscourt winner to secure the first break of the match, moving 5-3 up and serving for the set in the next game.

It was undoubtedly one of the best sets that Roger played against Rafa, sealing it with three winners in game nine for a 6-3 in 32 minutes, hoping for more of the same in set number two. Nadal raised his level and broke Federer in the fourth game after a colossal forehand error from the Swiss, cementing the lead with an excellent hold for 4-1. Controlling the pace, Rafa grabbed the set 6-3 with that single break, serving at 80% and taking advantage of that loose service game from Roger. The Swiss landed only 42% of the first serve in, losing the edge with his forehand and having to find it again in the decider if he wanted to win the first title at this event since 2007. Nadal was much more aggressive in comparison to the opening set and had to do the same in the third to prevail and lift his first trophy at this level.

Instead of that, Federer found his rhythm again, landing one good serve after another and winning four points in a row on the return in game four to move 3-1 in front. Serving to confirm the advantage, Roger fired two service winners at deuce in the next game and moved closer to the finish line. The Spaniard faded from the court and suffered another break in game six, allowing Roger to seal the deal with three winners a few minutes later and celebrate his fifth ATP Finals crown. Thus, he joined Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras on the exclusive list and wrapped up the season on a high note. 

"The O2 Arena is magical, with all the darkness and highlights on the players. My first London title came in 2010 against Rafael Nadal, who has always been a tough rival for me to compete against. In that match, I felt I knew how to construct the points, setting up points nicely with my serve and dominating with the forehand. I don't know if the last ball was in or not, but Rafa gave me the point without any drama. I was delighted; in fact, I think we both were after a tough long season. Rafa wanted to win it, but I think we both ended on a high note," Roger Federer said. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/36Q1fKP