Federer set for 12th consecutive appearance at ATP World Tour Finals

Roger Federer booked his 12th consecutive appearance at the ATP World Tour Finals after defeating South African Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-4 in the second round of the BNP Paribas Masters on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Swiss native, seeded fifth in Paris, broke three times and served seven aces in the battle that lasted one hour and 22 minutes. Federer goes on to play Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in the Round of 16.

"It feels great, I'm so happy," said Federer. "It's been a tough year so this is a little bit of a highlight. It was one of the goals I set myself at the start of the year and I've been able to achieve it. I'm looking forward to a good performance in Paris to gear myself up to hopefully play great tennis in London."

Federer will look to win the ATP World Tour Finals for a record seventh time after securing his place in the eight-man field at the season finale, to be held at The O2 in London from 4-11 November.

Federer is the most successful player to compete at the ATP World Tour Finals, compiling a 42-9 record and winning the title in 2003-04, 2006-07 and 2010-11. He finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic in last year’s final. The Basel native has qualified for the 12th consecutive year, tying Ivan Lendl for the most successive appearances at the season finale. Andre Agassi holds the record for most non-consecutive appearances (14).

Federer joins Rafael Nadal, Djokovic, David Ferrer, Juan Martin del Potro and Tomas Berdych in the elite eight-man field. Home favourite Andy Murray also qualified, but was forced to withdraw from the event after undergoing back surgery.

"It's the absolute pinnacle of our sport," Federer recently said of the tournament. "You want to be able to showcase your talents against the best, with the biggest rivalries, in one of the coolest arenas in the world in front of amazing fans. For me it’s always been an honour to play there and I look forward to returning this year."

Federer opened his 2013 campaign with a semi-final showing at the Australian Open and in doing so became the first man to record 250 Grand Slam match wins. At Roland Garros he became just the fourth player in ATP World Tour history to record 900 match wins en route to reaching his 36th successive Grand Slam quarter-final.

Having finished runner-up to Nadal in the Internazional BNL d’Italia final in Rome in May, Federer won his first title of the season in June at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, defeating Mikhail Youzhny. Federer also finished runner-up to del Potro in the Swiss Indoors Basel final on Sunday.

Tournament Director, Andre Silva, said, "As a six-time champion Roger stands alone as the most decorated player in the history of the ATP World Tour Finals. He is enormously popular here in London, where he has also won seven Wimbledon titles, and we’re delighted to welcome him back to The O2."

ATP Race To London comes to a thrilling climax at this week’s BNP Paribas Masters in Paris-Bercy. Two singles and three doubles team berths remain up for grabs. Stanislas Wawrinka and Richard Gasquet currently hold the last two spots, but Milos Raonic is still in contention.

The ATP World Tour Finals has welcomed more than one million fans to The O2 arena over the past four years, establishing itself as the biggest indoor tennis tournament in the world since moving to London in 2009.

Date: 30th October 2013, Source: ATP

Read More

Federer lost to Del Potro in the Swiss Indoors Basel final

Juan Martin del Potro denied Roger Federer's 6th Swiss Indoors Basel title by winning the final 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-4 on Sunday.

''It's always a pleasure playing against you,'' del Potro told Federer during the trophy ceremony. ''I know you are the hero here and for me my big inspiration, too.''

"I'm sorry again to beat you here. You make history at every tournament you play. I'm proud to be playing at the same time as you." says del Potro.

"Congratulations to Juan, who has been having a great few years," Federer said. "I had to fight hard all the way through."

''I was lifting my level and in the end I wasn't playing too badly,'' Federer said in German, praising del Potro for ''a great tournament again.''

“It was a pretty high level match overall,” said Federer. “Probably my best match of the tournament overall, but it is always difficult to judge when you lose."

At the start of the pair’s 18th meeting, Federer did not allow del Potro to get into a rhythm in the early stages. Both players tried to keep rallies short with approaches to the net.

Del Potro was taken to deuce in the seventh game, but he hung on and went on to break Federer for a 5-3 lead, courtesy of two double faults and some aggressive returns.

Federer immediately bounced back by breaking del Potro to love, and was then forced to save two set points from 15/40 by winning four straight points.

In the inevitable tie-break, del Potro took a 4-1 lead and clinched the 54-minute opener with a deep forehand return that Federer could only half volley wide.

The crowd came alive again at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, when Federer broke for a 2-0 lead in the second set.

He maintained the advantage and at 5-2, broke del Potro for a third time in the match by rushing to the net on the back of a forehand approach.

Federer lost one of his first service points and hit five aces to win the 36-minute set, which levelled the scoreline. In the 2012 Basel final, del Potro had beaten Federer 6-4, 6-7(5), 7-6(3).

Del Potro looked to be tiring at the start of the decider, but roused himself to break serve in the first game. Federer had led 40/15, but two double faults cost the hometown favourite. Del Potro then saved two break points in the next game as the momentum of the match shifted in the defending champion’s favour.

Federer clung on at 2-4, 30/40, when del Potro narrowly failed to hit a drop shot for a winner down the line. But del Potro remained strong on serve, winning 16 of his 17 first service points, to record his third straight win over Federer.

"Normally I feel like him, because I lost in the London 2012 Olympics and other important matches against him," said del Potro. "Luck was on my side today and I played better at the end of the match.

"I think Roger is playing well. He played much better when he has the chance to play the top guys. His game improves automatically and looking forward to Paris and London he will be a tough opponent. For me he has the perfect game. I am very proud to have a good relationship with him, as I have learned a lot as a person and a tennis player."

But Federer must now beat Kevin Anderson or Mikhail Youzhny in his second round match at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris on Wednesday to qualify for a record-equalling 12th consecutive year for the ATP World Tour Finals. It would tie Ivan Lendl for most successive appearances at the season finale.

Federer had been attempting to win six or more titles at his fourth different tournament. He has won six or more crowns at Wimbledon (7), the ATP World Tour Finals (6) and the Gerry Weber Open in Halle (6).

Federer, now 40-14 in 2013, was playing his first final since winning the grass-court event in June at Halle, Germany.

erer, now 40-14 in 2013, was playing his first final since winning the low-key grass-court event in June at Halle, Germany.
Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/251961.html#J1iOoK5P1BGx7OD7.99

Federer, now 40-14 in 2013, was playing his first final since winning the low-key grass-court event in June at Halle, Germany.
Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/251961.html#J1iOoK5P1BGx7OD7.9

Federer, now 40-14 in 2013, was playing his first final since winning the low-key grass-court event in June at Halle, Germany.
Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/251961.html#J1iOoK5P1BGx7OD7.99

He remains tied with John McEnroe on 77 career singles titles, third most during the 45-year Open era. Jimmy Connors has 109 titles and Ivan Lendl has 94.

Date: 27th October 2013, Source: ATP and AP

Read More

Federer to face Del Potro in Swiss Indoors Basel final

Roger Federer earned a rematch with Juan Martin del Potro for his hometown Swiss Indoors title by edging Vasek Pospisil 6-3, 6-7 (3), 7-5 on Saturday.

Federer advanced to his eighth straight Basel final with the victory against the 40th-ranked Canadian.

The sixth-ranked Federer faltered when serving for the match at 5-3 in the second set, and fell behind 3-1 in the third before rallying.

Federer is a five-time champion at Basel and seeks to reclaim the title taken by the fifth-ranked Argentine last year in a thrilling three set victory.

"Hopefully I can get my revenge on him but you know on the top of it I am playing for the World Tour finals," said Federer.

"You know things are looking good. I am not qualified yet for London but that is not really in the back of my mind. I am just really focused on playing good finals tomorrow," he told reporters.

''It's always a pleasure for me,'' del Potro said about the prospect of playing Federer. ''I know all the people are waiting for that final and it would be like a rematch for him.''

If Federer wins Sunday, he'll secure his place at the ATP Finals in London.

He'll also close out his most difficult season, which was beset by back injuries and defeats to lower-ranked opponents.

Federer improved his season record to 40-13, the fewest wins since a 49-21 mark in 2001 when he turned 20.

In a dramatic third set, Federer's wayward groundstrokes allowed Pospisil to break for a 3-1 lead.

Federer reclaimed the break immediately, but had to fend off another break chance for Pospisil before holding at 4-4.

At 5-5, Federer wasted three break chances before finally leading in the set when Pospisil fired a forehand long. Federer clinched victory with a powerful service winner and raised both arms in triumph after 2 hour, 40 minutes.

Del Potro has a 4-13 career record against Federer, though he has won their past two meetings.

Date: 26th October 2013, Source: AP

Read More

Lethal Federer cuts down Dimitrov for Basel semis

Roger Federer showed his lethal best when it mattered most as he beat Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 7-6 (2) on Friday to reach the Swiss Indoors semi-finals.

Federer, a five-time champion in the city of his birth, played a second-set tiebreaker to perfection against the 22-year-old.

Seventeen-time major winner Federer also strengthened his position for a place in the eight-man ATP World Tour Finals starting in London in 10 days.

He stands provisional seventh as he heads into a Saturday semi-final with Canadian Vasek Pospisil, who beat Ivan Dodig 7-6 (11), 6-4.

Federer could qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals in London for the 12th straight year if he wins a sixth title in Basel on Sunday.

Roger showed great tennis during several periods, even though he had to battle every now and then. He had to fight off five break-balls in his first service game but found his rhythm from there on, showing a great rest of the opening set. Dimitrov broke him early in the second set, Roger falling behind 3-5. He managed to save three set-points and take the set into a tie-breaker - which he clearly decided in his favour.

With his 50th victory in Basel he has now won 50 or more matches at 5 different tournaments (the others being Grand Slams).

"It was very important to win in two sets," said Federer.

"There were a lot of free gifts out there in some games.

"When I saved three set points in the second set. I just told myself to play one point at a time and hope to get there. I broke him for 5-5 and that made it difficult for him. I was able to come through well in the tiebreaker.

"It always feels good to win at home," added Federer.

Date: 25th October 2013, Source: AFP and RF Official

Read More

Roger Federer can win Australian Open next year: Rod Laver

Legendary Rod Laver has full faith in Roger Federer's abilities and believes that the Swiss former world No.1 can put his recent slump in form behind by winning next year's Australian Open.

"It's a tough time. He's 32 and not playing his best tennis by any means," Laver told reporters at Melbourne Park, where he launched his autobiography "Rod Laver - A memoir" on Thursday.

"It's sometimes hard to analyze someone of that ability. But once in a while it happened to me where for no reason ... you're just flat. What's happened? What is it that made you play your best tennis?

"Maybe that's going through a little bit of Roger's mind because I saw him play at Wimbledon. The first match he played he was just perfect, great. And in the second, he loses a match which he could probably win with his eyes closed."

Laver, the only player to win the calendar Grand Slam twice, says Federer will not retire from tennis after a bad season.

"Roger has had a great career, and I don't foresee him saying he's going to hang his racquets up because he's had a bad year," Laver said.

The 75-year-old also says that Federer's recent lean period is just a form issue rather than an indication of permanent decline.

"I think he's going to look at this next January - and you might be surprised when you look at the champion of next year at Melbourne Park.

"It might be Roger. He's playing good tennis but sometimes it's a matter of winning the right points. You don't have to win them all, just the right ones.

"He seemed like he was getting into the right position of winning the right points, but not winning them."

Date: 24th October 2013

Read More

Federer hangs tough in Basel to reach quarterfinals

Roger Federer stayed tough on Wednesday, fighting past Denis Istomin 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals. Should the Swiss win his sixth Basel crown this week, he would qualify for the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

"It's an amazing atmosphere for me to play in," Federer said about playing on home soil. "As a kid I was always thinking about Wimbledon and Basel. For me those were the two great things. It's important to never forget that dream. It's the dream I have been chasing after since I was a kid."

"Tough matches like this one is just what I need right now. They also give me self-confidence. I am happy with my performance," Roger said.

The Basel native overcame a slow start to beat Istomin in one hour and 51 minutes, notching his 49th win at the ATP World Tour 500 indoor hard-court tournament. He fended off four break points in the second game of the deciding set, before reeling off the last five games to claim victory.

"I think the crowd rarely gets the opportunity to see me play three sets, whether good or bad," Federer said. "It was nice seeing the crowd fight for me and try to get me back into the match. It gives you that extra push to try harder."

Federer won the title in 2006-08 and 2010-11, and finished runner-up to Juan Martin del Potro in the final last year.

Date: 23rd October 2013, Source: ATP

Read More

Roger Federer opens Basel campaign

Roger Federer opened his campaign for a sixth Swiss Indoors Basel title on Monday with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Adrian Mannarino. The Swiss has two tournaments left with which to secure his place at the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and is currently eighth in the ATP Race To London.

Federer improved to a 48-8 event record as he defeated Mannarino in 71 minutes. The right-hander let slip an initial service break lead, but reeled off 10 of the last 12 games to improve to 4-0 in his Head2Head series with the Frenchman.

"I think it was a pretty good performance for a first round," said Federer. "I had some good spells and some that were tougher. I fought through and stayed positive throughout. I kept playing aggressive, the way I would like to play for the week."

Federer is chasing his second ATP World Tour title of the season, having won his 77th trophy at the Gerry Weber Open in June (d. Youzhny). For a place in the Basel quarter-finals, he goes on to face Denis Istomin or Horacio Zeballos.

"Clearly I want to do really well here," said Federer. "It all kind of started here for me. It's very special for me. I just need to be careful I don't put too much pressure on myself. But ever since I was able to win the tournament here in 2006 for the first time, that pressure has kind of gone. Now, it's about enjoying it."

Date: 21st October 2013, Source: ATP

Read More

Federer looks for home advantage in London push

Roger Federer is looking to use the home advantage next week at the Swiss Indoors Basel as he bids to secure his place in the eight-man field at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

The Swiss goes into the ATP World Tour 500 tournament in eighth place in the Emirates ATP Race To London, with the top nine set to qualify after Andy Murray’s withdrawal. The 32-year-old Federer is a six-time champion at the season finale and is bidding to qualify for the 12th consecutive time.

"I definitely think it's an advantage playing at home,” said Federer. “I'm here to try and play well and qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, but the focus is totally on this tournament. I'll take it step-by-step this week in Basel and in Paris. Mentally, I'm starting to focus on the first match and I hope it's going to go well for me.”

Federer has a 47-8 record in his hometown tournament, winning the title in 2006-08 and 2010-11. The right-hander is looking to win his second ATP World Tour title of the season and put himself in a strong position to qualify going into the final event of the regular season, the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament in Paris.

One of the players in Federer’s way of qualifying is his countryman Stanislas Wawrinka, with whom he won the 2008 doubles gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. Wawrinka is currently in seventh place in the Emirates ATP Race To London and is looking to qualify for the season finale for the first time on the back of a career-best season, which has seen him reach his first Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open (l. to Djokovic).

"I'll be happy if Stan qualifies,” said Federer. “If that means I'll miss it, [I accept that]. It means he was the better player for the year. I'm always happy for his results. I don't see it as a rivalry as such. We'll see at the end of Paris how it's all going to pan out. But clearly with Murray not playing it gives an extra spot and a little more air for both of us. I hope he can play a great tournament.”

Federer is playing his first tournament since the news emerged of his split from coach Paul Annacone. Speaking to assembled media on Sunday, Federer explained, “We had a great working relationship and a great friendship as well. That's something I know is going to continue. We're still in touch almost every other day.

“We talked a lot. It was always important to communicate about our feelings and that's what we did after the training block in Dubai. It went really well, but I felt it was best to talk about it and he also thought it was good to have a change and end it there. I think we had a great three and a half years. All I can do is thank him for all his efforts. We got the most out of each other, which was the idea for the relationship.”

Federer has endured his most barren season on the ATP World Tour in the past decade, limited to just one title so far and no Grand Slam finals. The Swiss still feels he has plenty to offer in his playing career, though, and remains keen to compete at the Rio Olympics in 2016. "[Playing at the Rio Olympics] is something I'd like to achieve. That doesn't mean I'm going to end my career there, or earlier or later. It's just an idea.

“As long as my body and mind is ready to go to travel, I'm happy to be doing what I'm doing, I'm successful. I'll be playing for some time and that hasn't changed due to a tough six months right now.”

Date: 20th October 2013, Source: ATP

Read More

Roger Federer says he has been on a "bonus trip for a long, long time"

The talented Swiss has collected a men's record 17 majors, his all-court game and flawless footwork overcoming rivals with ease.

From 2004 to 2007, he won 11 of a possible 16 grand slam titles. His record of consecutive semifinals at majors might never be broken and, if Federer plays in January's Australian Open, he'll take part in a 57th consecutive grand slam event. That would be another men's record.

You'd need a book to list all of his achievements.

But 2013 has been challenging, not entirely surprising since Federer turned 32 in August. He slipped to seventh in the world rankings, didn't appear in a grand slam final for the first time since 2002.

How does Federer view his skid? With a fair dose of perspective. Racking up all those titles earlier in his career has left him feeling that he's now on "bonus" time.

"I knew those wins nobody could take away from me," Federer told CNN. "That's sort of in the vault, good to have and good to know.

"And now you just have to prove yourself every single day and everything that comes is like a bonus. I've been on this bonus trip for a long, long time and playing this way has actually been much more enjoyable."

Does it mean that Federer will settle for not winning another major? Probably not.

His decision to cut ties with coach Paul Annacone last week suggests he's still hungry for more.

Indeed motivation has never been an issue for Federer, even when he and wife Mirka had twin girls.

"I definitely have that drive," he said.

But Federer does admit that the questions asked about his recent slide have slightly taken away from his enjoyment of the game.

"The fun goes away sometimes because instead of it being a lifelong dream you've had to just enjoy yourself and play tennis like your heroes used to, now people sort of expect you to win," Federer said.

"Like losing in the quarterfinals ... now is (seen as) a disaster. It changes the mindset of you as a player and as a professional athlete and that's where I always try to remember, 'Well, as long as I enjoy what I'm doing, I train hard, I have no regrets.

"All I can do is give my best and it's going to be fine regardless of the outcome."

Date: 19th October 2013, Source: CNN

Read More

Winter Aid Switzerland

Roger visited the LINDT Chocolateria in Kilchberg close to Zurich yesterday. He enjoyed the opportunity to make a chocolate creation together with a group of children supported through the Roger Federer Foundation via Winter Aid Switzerland.

In 2011, the Roger Federer Foundation and Lindt & Sprüngli committed to supporting a special programme of Winter Aid Switzerland with a total of 400’000 Swiss francs in equal parts over a period of five years. The programme helps underprivileged children in Switzerland.

"As a father of two little children, I experience on a day-to-day basis how important it is to support them in all possible ways. That is why I take particular personal interest in getting involved with underprivileged children here in Switzerland, too. It was great fun spending an exciting day at the LINDT Chocolateria together with the kids we support through the programme of Winter Aid," Roger said during his visit.



Click here for more photos and the video of Roger’s visit.

Find out more about the programme here.

Date: 16th October 2013, Source: RF Official

Read More

Rod Laver: Roger Federer is the greatest of all time

Australian tennis legend Rod Laver says Roger Federer is the greatest player of all time. Federer has won a record 17 Grand Slam titles and occupied the No. 1 spot for 302 weeks in a gilded career that has had many to proclaim him as the finest in history.

Laver, speaking in Shanghai, said: "When I look at Federer, with what he's accomplished, against the competition that he's accomplished it with, I'd have to say I would think that Roger is the greatest player.

"Just because his record, the consistency over a span of six, eight years has been pretty amazing. I think that sort of tells you something."

Laver believes the Swiss, despite his dip to No. 7 in rankings , remains capable of adding to his huge haul of Grand Slam titles.

"I think he's certainly capable of winning maybe the Australian, and of course Wimbledon is something that he's pretty involved with. I think he likes those two type of games."

And he said the older players get, the more difficult it is to maintain consistent top-level tennis.

"The only thing I can say is sometimes when you get to be in your 30s, 30 to 35, somewhere in there, in my game, I played a match the day before, I played a terrific match, played 100 percent, as good as I was when 21.

"The next day I go out and there's nothing there.

"So what is it? Is it the desire? Is it your emotion, does it come up? Is your adrenalin not flowing as well as it normally does in a match?

"That's the times I found a problem. I don't know whether Roger's feeling anything of that nature. But sometimes I notice him, he just doesn't have it that day. But the day before he was magnificent."

''So it's not a training method, fitness, nothing to do with his body. So, you know, you just wonder, is it adrenaline that gets you up for matches?''

Date: 10th October 2013, Source: Herald Sun

Read More

Monfils upsets Federer in Shanghai third round

Monfils recorded just his second win in eight meetings against Federer with a 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3 victory in two hours and nine minutes.

Federer recovered from a 3-5 deficit in the second set. He went on to win four straight points from 3-5 in the tie-break, including two points on Monfils’ serve. Monfils broke in the fourth game of the decider and could have taken a 5-1 lead, but Federer hung on to hold serve.

"I knew that I choked on this forehand at 5-4 in the tie-break," said Monfils. "Then I changed my ideas because I was maybe nervous, too. Even though I was tired, I tried to play more aggressively sometimes, going more for my shots and it worked.

"It's a good win for me. I feel a bit sorry for him because I know he's running for London. But it's tennis. He's going to have more opportunity those weeks coming up."

Federer, 32, is battling to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals for the 12th consecutive year. "He's still strong," said Monfils. "It's just a matter of confidence, I think. I have no doubt that he will get back to the way people expect him to play."

"It was one of those matches that could have gone either way," said Federer. "I think I was a little lucky in the second set to get back, to be quite honest. I played a solid tie-break.

"I had chances early on in the third set I think to make something happen. He kind of recovered, then started to serve a bit better again towards the end of the third set, which made it difficult for me. It's a bit of an up and down performance for me."

"I'm just going to focus on trying to play well. I'm just going to try to have a good tournament in Basel and Paris.  In the end, if I get the invite, I'll be there in London."

Forty five minutes after losing to Monfils, Federer returned to the court. But he ended up losing his second round doubles with Ze Zhang. Fifth seeds Ivan Dodig and Marcelo Melo scraped through 6-1, 1-6, 10-8 in 53 minutes.

"Roger just finished his singles match," said Zhang. "I should have given him more support. But we lost the first one too quickly. In the second set, both of us were a little bit calmer than in the first set because it was our last chance. But when it came to the tie-break, a lot of times it's all about luck."

Roger's next stop on the Tour will be Basel, his home town tournament which starts on October 21st.

Date: 10th October 2013, Source: ATP

Read More

Inspired by fans, Federer pushes for strong 2013 finish

Roger Federer came to the Shanghai Rolex Masters with a game plan: to remain focused, finish strong and qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, less than one month away. The former World No. 1 reflected on the current state of his game after his defeat of Italian Andreas Seppi on Wednesday.

“It's been a more difficult season than other years," said Federer. "This year it wasn't just running from one tournament victory to the other. I had to digest a couple of tough losses, some injuries, so forth.

“But I'm still playing. I'm proud that I've never actually missed an entire part of the season,” Federer said.

The tournament's fifth seed mentioned that he draws inspiration from his fans. Crowds packed the courts this week in hopes of catching a glimpse of the Swiss player during training.

“It was crazy in the practice today. I expected some people to be there, but not hanging over the fence and holding up the banner, 'I believe in you',” said Federer.

“It was great energy, I must say. It gives me unbelievable motivation, inspires me to train hard, work hard, push further for that particular day, but also wanting to come back again next year, and again and again.

“I really appreciate the support I get, not just here in Shanghai, particularly here, but also around the world.”

After holding court with fans through a Twitter “#AskRF” session on Tuesday, the Swiss reflected on the positive aspects of the social media platform, which he joined earlier this year. Federer has found it a great way to connect with his fans, though he was initially reluctant to jump into the fray.

“I just didn't want to let the fans down if I did join that I was not going to live up to the expectations. I just don't want them to expect me to do something every single day or every single week. It goes in phases, like moods, you're not always in the mood for things.”

“The Q&A was really funny yesterday,” said Federer. “I really enjoyed it. I had so many tweets and questions coming in, it was really a lot of fun."

And Federer appreciates the direct access he has with fans through this technology.

“They don't have to go search for you. I can kind of come to them on the Twitter level, and Facebook too. So far it's been a lot of fun. I hope the fans also enjoy that they can connect with me on that platform.”

The 32 year old, who won the Halle title this year, faces Gael Monfils in the next round. He is teamed with China’s Zhang Ze in the doubles competition. Federer is currently sixth in the Emirates ATP Race To London and is in contention for one of the five remaining berths available for the season finale.

Date: 9th October 2013, Source: ATP

Read More

Federer opens Shanghai campaign

Roger Federer made a welcome return to singles action as he defeated Andreas Seppi 6-4, 6-3 to open his Shanghai Rolex Masters campaign. The Swiss was playing his first singles match since a fourth-round exit to Tommy Robredo at the US Open and improved to a 36-12 match record on the season.

Seppi drew first blood in the pair’s 10th meeting as he looked to beat Federer for the first time. The Italian broke for a 3-2 lead, but Federer responded immediately to level the set and saved a break point in the seventh game before breaking Seppi to take the opener. An early break in the second set proved decisive as Federer prevailed in 74 minutes. He goes on to face Gael Monfils.

"Just a tough combination when I got broken," said Federer. "I was able to break back right away still with the used balls. Then with the ball change, I was in the match really.

"It was a big maybe shall I say 20 minutes going up a set and a break, really started to feel comfortable. Even though it remained tough, Seppi did a good job of hanging around. That's the kind of first round match you want in this particular situation I'm in right now."

"It's always very entertaining playing Gaël," Federer said. "I love the guy, the way he plays, how he entertains the crowd, shot selection, the way he executes as well.  It's unreal really."

Federer is looking for a big performance in Shanghai to help secure his place in the eight-man field at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. A six-time winner of the season finale, including twice when it was held in Shanghai in 2006-07, Federer is currently seventh in the Emirates ATP Race To London.

Date: 9th October 2013, Source: ATP

Read More

Federer: "I think my game's been coming back"

Roger Federer is contesting his first tournament since the US Open at this week's Shanghai Rolex Masters and declared he is ready to rediscover his best form in a bid to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Since New York, the 32 year old has spent time training in both Switzerland and Dubai, and is focused on finishing the 2013 season strongly, beginning with claiming a 22nd ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown in Shanghai.

"Eventually, I started preparing the last few days in Switzerland really and then physically, doing a lot of fitness with trainer Pierre Paganini. Then I went to Dubai and trained there for about two weeks. It was very hot over there in Dubai. It was like 37 degrees, but it was perfect conditions to really get in some good heat practice. I had two sessions over there and had a good time.

"It's one of those things you just want to move on from," said Federer, referring to his fourth round loss to Tommy Robredo at Flushing Meadows. "I think my game's been coming back, which has been very important. Now it's about staying positive and working hard every single day, that's been the mindset."

"I'm really just focused on my own game, my first‑round opponent," said the fifth seed, who will battle either Lleyton Hewitt or Andreas Seppi in his opening round. The Swiss is placed seventh in the ATP Race to London.

"It was the goal at the beginning of the season to qualify for London. I consider it the absolute best of the best tournament out there, so I want to be part of that," said Federer, who has won the year-end championships a record six times. "It's extra motivation for me to play well and be part of that great tournament."

Without revealing details for 2014, Federer said his schedule for next season is somewhat complete.

"I always knew that this year, after a very tough year in 2012 [and] the Olympics, was going to be a bit of a more quiet year.  I expected myself probably not to be as successful and as busy playing matches and tournaments," said the former World No. 1.

"My mindset now is that next year is going to be a great year again where I'm not going to have that many points to defend, especially at some very key moments where I consider myself a favourite.  For that reason, I'm really looking forward to 2014 already."

The father-of-two said he's looking forward to his practice block at the end of the year, which will set him up for a strong season. "It has been a bit of a rocky patch the last couple of months but my expectations will always remain very high. That will never change," said Federer.

"As long as I'm physically and mentally fine, there's no reason for me not to be taking part in the big matches. That's what I'm looking forward to in 2014, to be part of those matches."

Federer paid tribute to his friend and rival Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard rose to No. 1 in the ATP Rankings on Monday.

"I think it's an unbelievable comeback, no doubt about it," said the Swiss right-hander. "One year ago people were saying he might never play tennis again. One year later he's world No. 1. That's how quick things can go in tennis, which is great. On the other hand, you've got the other extreme sometimes, you write off a player a little bit too fast."

Federer said he was pleased for the left-handed Mallorcan. "I'm really happy that Rafa's proven himself, for himself personally clearly, but also to the rest of the world that you never write off someone like him... The US Open was an unbelievable victory."

Date: 7th October 2013, Source: ATP

Read More

Federer and Zhang eased into the next round of doubles

Doubles attention is usually the domain of world No. 1 brothers Bob and Mike Bryan, but at the Shanghai Rolex Masters on Monday it was Roger Federer and China’s Zhang Ze who were centre stage and the focus of the day.

Federer rarely plays doubles, but this year in Shanghai he’s stepping out with China’s best, Zhang Ze. And the twosome certainly delighted fans when they easily defeated Kevin Anderson of South Africa and Dimitry Tursunov of Russia as 6-2, 6-1 in just 46 minutes.

“When I arrived here, they announced we were going to play doubles together, there was huge excitement,” Federer said. “They were going to put us on center court on Monday.  I thought, that's great, that's good for the game, good for tennis here in China.  That's kind of the ultimate goal, to partner up with a Chinese up-and-coming player and promote the game at the same time.”

The match started with the Federer-Zhang duo breaking Anderson’s serve in the opening game. They solidified that first set lead by breaking Tursunov’s serve at 0-40 in the seventh game. In the second set, Federer and Zhang won every game but when Anderson served in the fifth game.

Zhang understood that the doubles alliance with Federer came with a great deal of upside for him.

“Over the past few days, we practiced together,” Zhang said. “He actually invited me to practice with him. So I'm thrilled to hear that because it was really fascinating to me, he is easy-going, he's nice, and he's fun.  So we had very good communications. Then, of course, I learned a lot from him, not just the playing skills, but also the professionalism. I think I can be more professional.”

Federer said his partnership with Zhang was good for tennis in China. "It's been a pleasure playing with him today and I'm looking forward to the next match and enjoying this great atmosphere again. That's kind of the ultimate goal, to partner up with a Chinese up‑and‑coming player and promote the game at the same time," said the 17-time Grand Slam champion. "I'm just so happy for Zhang Ze, that he played really well.  I really am, because he couldn't have played any better."

Federer said he hoped to see more players from the Asian continent break through. "We had Paradorn Srichaphan, we have Kei Nishikori from Japan. Hopefully we'll have more and more players coming up," said Federer. "By having such a great tournament and all the top players coming here to Shanghai, I think that's only going to help it... I think we all really want something to happen in a big way in the next 10, 20 years here."

Federer/Zhang face off against fifth seeds Ivan Dodig and Marcelo Melo in the next round.

Date: 7th October 2013, Source: Shanghai Rolex Masters

Read More

Federer gets tough draw at Shanghai Masters

Roger Federer has been handed a tough draw at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, which kicked off yesterday at Qizhong Tennis Center in Minhang District.

The 17-time grand slam winner is in the same quarter of the draw as top seed Novak Djokovic, whom he will have to overcome to reach the semifinal.

Second seed Rafael Nadal has a comparatively easier draw, while Chinese players face tough opening challenges.

Seeded fifth in one of his favorite tournament, Federer, like other top seeds, has a first-round bye, and is expected to meet wildcard Lleyton Hewitt in the second round if the Australian manages to overcome Italian Andreas Seppi.

“It is always a tough draw here because it is always such a strong tournament being an ATP Masters 1000,” said Federer. “It’s a difficult first match for me. It would be great to play Lleyton, we go back a long way and I remember playing him in Shanghai when the first Masters Cup was here, he beat me in the semifinals and went on to win the tournament. We have had some amazing matches. Even if I play Seppi, that will also be tough because he is a very good player.

“I have been coming to Shanghai almost every year since 2002 and this is one of my favourite tournaments of the year and we look forward to a good week.”

The survivor of the likely Federer-Djokovic clash will compete for a final spot against third seed David Ferrer of Spain or seventh seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in the semifinal. Other seeds in this half include Richard Gasquet, Kei Nishikori, Gilles Simon and Tommy Robredo.

China’s top-ranked male player Zhang Ze will face Spain’s Fernando Verdasco in the first round. Zhang, though, seems to be more focused on the doubles where he will partner Federer.

“I might get nervous at first, but things will get better after practice. He is the king on court and I have everything to learn from him during the match, his manners and playing style.”

Federer has never played doubles in any ATP 1000 event, let alone with a Chinese player. He got a better knowledge of his new partner as the two held a “mini tie-breaker” friendly match for fans. Zhang lost by one point. “He was being nice to me and held back, as it’s after all my home court,” Zhang said.

Six Chinese players competed in yesterday’s qualifying round, with only Lu Yen-hsun of Chinese Taipei winning. The first round of matches start today.

Date: 5th October 2013, Source: Shanghai Daily

Read More