Sampras: I'm impressed that Federer travels with his kids

Pete Sampras says that he is impressed that Roger Federer travels with his family when he is on tour. Sampras said that he would never have been able to pull all three things - that is being a father, a husband and a tennis player all together.

After eclipsing Sampras's record of 14 Grand Slam titles back in 2009 at Wimbledon, Roger Federer seems to have left idol Pete Sampras behind in an aspect of life too it seems. The American says that he is mighty impressed with the fact that Federer travels with his wife and kids when he is on tour, and seems to be very happy doing that.

“I’m impressed that he has carried on travelling with his children. To be a father, and a husband, and a tennis player, all at the same time, and on the road, that’s very hard. I don’t know I would have been able to pull it off, but Roger always looks as though he has a good situation on the road with his wife and his kids. I don’t know if I would have had the patience with my kids. I think I would have wanted to have been in a different hotel room to my kids, but Roger is able to handle it well. He wants his wife and kids with him everywhere, and that is great. Maybe I was just a different breed to Roger. I just don’t know if I could have done everything on the road, as Roger does.

He then continued:

“We both have two kids and we talk about that. I’m interested to hear how he travels with his kids. I was never in that position. It’s obviously hard enough work to be looking after two kids at home, but when you’re travelling with them, that’s going to take up even more time and energy, even if you have help with nannies.”

Date: 28th November 2013, Source: Tennis Earth

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Roger Federer is a Prankster says Pete Sampras

Former World No.1 Pete Sampras termed Roger Federer as a Prankster, saying that the latter is a light hearted and a down to earth guy.

We all consider Roger Federer to be a guy who doesn’t show his emotions a lot of times, but Pete Sampras has a different outlook. The American believes that the Swiss Maestro is a real prankster when he isn’t playing a match and loves to have fun like everyone else does.

“He’s obviously very serious on the court. You walk into a press conference, and you still have your game face on. But once the cameras are off, Roger is very light-hearted. He loves practical jokes, and he loves laughing. He’s just a normal guy. When you’re playing and competing, you’ve got your game face on; it’s only when you hop in the car and head back to the hotel that you’re done with your day.

I’ve always found him very easy to be around, and all-round good guy. We were travelling in Asia in 2007 on an exhibition tour and I thought to myself, ‘this guy is like he’s in high school’. I’m slightly embarrassed to be telling you this but he would come up and blow in your ear or scream in your ear. He did it to his trainer a few times, and I thought they looked like a couple of kids from high school. That’s sort of a silly story, but it tells you about his light-hearted attitude. He loves talking and laughing. He’s just a down-to-earth guy.” Sampras said.

He further continued, “I first became friends with Roger during that tour. I didn’t know Roger that well before then. On the first day, we were both shy, and we weren’t really sure how to act around each other, but once we got past that, it was great, and we realised that our personalities are similar. Roger is a bit of a prankster - that’s a side to people that people don’t tend to see. With modern technology, it’s easy to stay in touch with Roger. We email and text and call. It’s become a good friendship, and I’m sure we’ll stay in touch after Roger stops playing.”

Date: 27th November 2013, Source: Tennis Earth

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Chris Evert: Why I love Roger Federer

Chris Evert spoke to The Tennis Space about her love for Roger Federer on last week. Here is what she says about him:

“Why do I love him? I don’t know, I just love him. There is something about Roger which just tugs at the heartstrings. I don’t know what it is, I can’t say exactly, but he gets to me. Maybe it’s because one of my sons idolises Roger, and I can see similarities between the two. It’s almost as though Roger could be my son.

“I’ve been in this game for more than 40 years, and there has never been a player who has made me as emotional as Roger has, not even close. And I’m not the only one. I have sometimes looked around when Roger is on court, and seen that others were affected in the same way. There would be a whole bunch of us getting choked up. I’ve never been as emotional watching a tennis match as I have done after Roger has lost. This may sound strange, but his losses affect me much more than my own defeats.

“I was watching him play Tommy Robredo in the fourth round of this year’s US Open, and I had to walk away. I could see that Roger was going to lose, and I just couldn’t watch any more. I didn’t want to feel what I was going to feel. And his defeat to Sergiy Stakhovsky, in the second round of this year’s Wimbledon Championships, wasn’t that awful? It’s the defeats at grand slams that affected me the most.

“Roger is a special breed - some of those defeats just rolled off his back, but I never found them easy to take. And I haven’t really spent that time with the guy. I hardly know him. I’m not a stalker, I promise you.”

Date: 27th November 2013, Source: The Tennis Space

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Roger Federer leads all-star Brisbane line-up

Four of the Top 20 men - including tennis superstar Roger Federer - will headline Brisbane International 2014 presented by Suncorp.

Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will lead a strong men’s field, which features Top 20 players Kei Nishikori, Gilles Simon and Kevin Anderson alongside a raft of rising talent.

Brisbane International 2013 runner-up Grigor Dimitrov returns to the Sunshine State looking to go one better in 2014, but will be forced to overcome a world class field including local hopes Lleyton Hewitt (SA), Marinko Matosevic (Vic) and 18-year-old wildcard Nick Kyrgios (ACT) in his pursuit of the title.

Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said the 2014 field was one of the strongest in the event’s history.

“The calibre of the field assembled for Brisbane International 2014 is one of the greatest on record, and we’re certainly looking forward to welcoming the world’s top players to Queensland Tennis Centre in December,” he said.

“To have Roger Federer and Serena Williams headline the event, and a line-up that features four of the world’s Top 20 men and six of the Top 10 women, is a remarkable result and testament to the high regard the players have for the tournament.

“It’s thanks to the incredible support the event receives from Queensland tennis fans that so many of the world’s leading players have chosen to start their 2014 campaigns here in Brisbane, and consider the tournament their ideal lead-in to the Australian Open.

“Tennis fans can certainly look forward to eight days of world class action from some of the biggest stars of the game in 2014.”

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said she looked forward to seeing the world’s top tennis players step onto Pat Rafter Arena in December for one of Queensland’s most highly anticipated sporting events.

“We look forward to welcoming some of the biggest names in world tennis to Brisbane International 2014, now in its sixth year, and wish all the players the very best,” Ms Stuckey said.

“I have no doubt this exceptional line-up of tennis talent will attract bumper crowds to Brisbane for the event.

“The Queensland Government is proud to support Brisbane International 2014 as part of its goal to double the annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.”

The official ATP field for Brisbane International 2014 is as follows:

Player - Emirates ATP Ranking
Roger Federer (SUI) - 6
Kei Nishikori (JPN) - 17
Gilles Simon (FRA) - 19
Kevin Anderson (RSA) - 20
Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) - 23
Jurgen Melzer (AUT) - 27
Feliciano Lopez (ESP) - 28
Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) - 29
Jeremy Chardy (FRA) - 34
Julien Benneteau (FRA) - 35
Marin Cilic (CRO) - 37
Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) - 39
Robin Haase (NED) - 43
Denis Istomin (UZB) - 45
Sam Querrey (USA) - 46
Nicolas Mahut (FRA) - 50
Adrian Mannarino (FRA) - 60
Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) - 61
Marinko Matosevic (AUS) - 62
Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) - 67
Igor Sijsling (NED) - 69
Nick Kyrgios (AUS) - 186 [WC]
WC - wildcard

Date: 21st November 2013, Source: ATP

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A night with Roger Federer and Friends at Rod Laver Arena

Roger Federer is set to commandeer Rod Laver Arena for a gala charity exhibition match on Wednesday 8 January 2014.

Four-time Australian Open champion and winner of a record 17 Grand Slam singles titles, Federer will take on his friend and foe, world No.10, charismatic Frenchman and Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, in what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime tennis and entertainment event.

“It’s going to be called “A night with Roger Federer and Friends”, it’s going to be very entertaining, and it would be great if you could be part of it,” Roger Federer said as he announced the event today.

“Good acts, entertainment, music, light-show, clearly the match - I hope that’s what you’re coming for, to see me play against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. We’ve had some great exhibitions in the past where we really light up the crowd. I know I’m going to be playing good tennis and it’s a great way to kick off the Australian Open.

“I’m celebrating ten years since my first victory in Australia, and I’m celebrating ten years of the Roger Federer Foundation. I spoke with Tennis Australia to see if we could do something a bit fun, a bit different as well, and I hope that’s why people are going to join in the action.

“I hope it’s going to be a sell-out night and we will raise awareness and raise a lot of money if possible and just have a good time. That was the idea behind it and it is all coming true. I’m looking forward to the day that I step on to Rod Laver Arena and do it.

“You can get involved by going to get a ticket … they are on sale this Thursday. I hope there are still some left because they’re very hot and very exclusive,” Federer joked.

Federer is passionate about the work of the Roger Federer Foundation, which will share in the proceeds of this special event.

“The foundation is very personal to me clearly. We are celebrating the tenth year of the Roger Federer Foundation on the 23 December, I can’t believe it’s actually been ten years, but we try to help kids, particularly in Southern Africa to have a quality education and so far we’ve been able to help 50,000 over the course of the last ten years … we have big goals for the future to hopefully help one million kids by 2018 so it’s really something I’m looking forward to, to try and help as many kids as possible have a quality education in the future.

“My Mum’s from South Africa so I was in touch with poverty quite early and I saw also other great athletes, inspirational people, do many great things for other people.

“As I was quite young when I had success on the tennis tour I wanted to start charity work early, because I remember a quote, I think it was from Andre Agassi, he always said “I wish I would have started earlier”, so you know what, I said I want to start really early, learn a lot about it, I’m still not done learning, I learn something every single day when it comes to the foundation and even from tennis, but it’s something that’s very important to me, it’s very personal, and it’s hopefully going to follow me for many, many years to come.”

A night with Roger Federer and Friends is presented by Rolex, a major supporter of the Roger Federer Foundation.

The event will take place at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park, on Wednesday 8 January 2014.

Ticket prices start at $64.90 and a variety of packages, including courtside seating and hospitality options, are also available.

Tickets go on sale at 12:00 noon (AEDST) on Thursday 14 November at www.ticketek.com.au or telephone 132 849.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Roger Federer Foundation and the Australian Tennis Foundation.

> More information on tickets and the event

> View ticket prices

> Purchase tickets from Ticketek

Date: 12th November 2013, Source: Tennis Australia

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Roger Federer: "Confident and Excited" for 2014

A “confident and excited” Roger Federer is ready to make a strong statement in 2014.

Following a 7-5, 6-3 defeat to rival Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals on Sunday, the six-time champion reflected on his satisfying finish to a tumultuous 2013 and outlined his goals and ambitions for the year to come.

A record 10th final in Basel and impressive 11th semi-final in 12 appearances at the season finale are building blocks that the Swiss says will drive him to work harder moving forward.

“I think it was a stronger finish than I thought it was going to be in Basel, Paris and London,” Federer said. “I'm more positive now looking ahead than I would have been a few months ago where I wasn't quite sure what to expect after the US Open.”

Perhaps the most galvanising aspect of Federer’s recent form has been his ability to play pain-free after a season plagued with back issues. The 32 year old identifies his improved health as a key factor to his rejuvenated state on the court, “physically and also mentally”.

“Beating two Top 10 players is a good thing for me after not having beaten any for almost seven or eight months,” Federer added. “Considering the back issues I've had, I'm pleased that I'm pain free for a long period of time now with a lot of tennis.

“What I learned is that I can play three weeks pretty easily. I played a lot of matches as of late, a lot of three setters, a lot of tennis. From that standpoint, it’s very satisfying knowing that the body can do it, the mind can do it, life allows it to happen.”

As the 77-time titlist on the ATP World Tour looks to build on his lone crown of the season, on the grass of Halle, the Swiss will begin his 2014 campaign just three match wins behind Guillermo Vilas for third place on the all-time list.

“I think always the end of the season carries over in some way, shape or form, good or bad. Clearly you look at the whole season as a whole. But then again, it's just about hard work, about relaxing a little bit, recovering from all the inflammations you might have in your body, because those also need to disappear to start the next season as physically good as you can; mentally refreshed.”

As the Basel native embarks on his 17th season on the ATP World Tour, he has no plans of hanging up his racquet anytime soon. As Federer puts it, “Tennis is something that’s always there in your DNA.”

“For me, it's pretty simple: This is what I used to do as a little boy. It's almost like I started walking at the same time I started playing tennis in some ways. It's like one of those moments where you're happy out on the court, you're happy improving, happy trying to change things, adjusting now. As long as I have this choice, I'll keep on playing.”

Federer will open his 2014 season at the Brisbane International, in January, in his first ever appearance at the tournament.

Date: 10th November 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer lost to Nadal in the semifinals of London Finals

Top seed Nadal, who lost to Roger Federer in the 2010 final at The O2 in London, beat his greatest rival - a six-time champion at the elite season finale - 7-5, 6-3 on Sunday afternoon to reach his 14th final of a remarkable year.

It was the fifth time that Nadal and Federer had played one another at the season finale. Federer had previously won all four matches - twice in Shanghai (2006-07) and twice in London (2010-11) - at the eight-player championship.

Nadal looked to be making inroads into Federer’s serve as early as the third game, when the Swiss lost three straight points from 40/0. Federer was attempting to keep as close to the baseline as possible, as Nadal targeted his single-handed backhand.

Nadal showed great mental strength at 2-3 when he saved three break points during a game where the forehand striking of both players was exceptional. By contrast Federer’s next service game lasted 68 seconds.

The first of three straight service breaks in the pair’s 32nd meeting came at 4-4, when clever court-craft by Nadal saw him draw Federer to the net in order to strike a forehand winner down the line.

Federer won a 30-stroke rally at 30/30 in the following game, when a powerful forehand beyond Nadal earned him a break point, which he converted when Nadal hit a forehand long.

Nadal bounced back from the set-back, showing great physical strength at 15/40 on Federer’s serve to wrestle back a crosscourt forehand that the sixth seed snatched at to hit a forehand into the net.

"I think Roger played really aggressive, that's my feeling," said Nadal. "At the beginning, his serve worked very well. My feeling is in the first set, he played very well. So in my opinion until 4-4, he was playing better than me.

"I saved a few break points, very important ones, and then I played a good game when I had the break… The key of the match was probably at 5-5, after he had the break back in the first set, when I was serving for the set. I got the break another time to be 6-5 in my favour. That was very important."

At 6-5, Nadal closed out a hold to love with his eighth forehand winner to end the 43-minute set. Federer, who needed to be aggressive struck 11 winners and committed 15 unforced errors in a high-quality opener.

"I went for it when I had a chance for a break point in the first set," said Federer. "Maybe I shouldn't have, but I did. I just struggled to stay consistent enough throughout the match and that's why he deserved to win. He was better today."

In the second set, leading 1-0, Federer missed a mid-court forehand at 30/30 on Nadal’s serve. It was a half chance, but Federer was not quite in position to strike it cleanly.

Federer committed another forehand error in the fifth game to give Nadal the break. At 4-3, Federer missed a mid-court forehand again when Nadal was serving at 30/30.

Nadal tightened up his game and at 5-3, created one match point opportunity at 30/40. Federer serve and volleyed, but Nadal’s backhand return was low enough to get Federer into trouble. He hit a backhand volley long to end the 80-minute encounter.

"He was playing more consistent," said Federer, who ended his season with a 45-17 match record. "He was playing more solid. I just couldn't come up with the shots when I needed them, forehand or serve, moving forward."

Date: 10th November 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer sets up Nadal SF after comeback win

Six-time champion Roger Federer battled back from a 0-3 deficit in the third set to beat fourth seed and 2009 runner-up Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 7-6(2), 7-5 to finish in second position in Group B for a semi-final clash against top seed and 2010 finalist Rafael Nadal on Sunday.

Del Potro broke Federer in the first and fifth games of the first set, as Federer committed seven forehand errors to trail 1-5. Federer staged a rousing comeback, but despite hitting 15 winners and clinching nine of 10 net points won, del Potro saved two break points to seal the 41-minute opener.

Del Potro seized control of the match when Federer hit a backhand into the net at 1-1, 15/40 in the second set. Federer walked to his chair with his head bowed.

It proved to be a temporary blip as Federer broke del Potro to love in the sixth game after a double fault. Without any further chances against serve, a tie-break was inevitable. Federer opened up a 4-1 lead in the tie-break and clinched the 50-minute set with his seventh ace.

With del Potro serving first in the decider, the pressure was on Federer. When he buckled in the second game at 15/40, after he struck his 18th forehand error, del Potro went on to take a 3-0 lead.

"I was probably slightly angry more than thinking it's going to be over soon," said Federer, when asked about how he felt at 0-3 in the third set. "It's one of those moments today, because I kind of fought back the whole match - the first, second set. Here we go again."

But Federer drew on his reserves to fight back to 3-3 for a very tense finale.

At 5-5, 15/40, del Potro mis-timed a forehand to gift Federer the chance to serve for the match. Federer saved a break point in the next game and clinched victory with his 10^th ace. The match lasted two hours and 26 minutes.

"I wasn't in many of Juan Martin's service games, so I kind of felt like probably I will get one more chance to break back. It's exactly what happened," said Federer. "Once on even terms, I was able to play a little bit more freely.

"For the first time I was almost feeling like I was kind of in the lead. It was a great finish. I was very happy. To get the victory was a great feeling, so I was very happy."

Federer hit 13 of his 39 winners in the third set, when he lost four of his first service points.

"I think I got two chances to win the match," said del Potro. "I broke his serve in the second set and in the third one. But he played great when I was up, and he deserved to come back in both sets. But at the end, when you have to be focus and find the winners, I made the mistakes and he was there really focused to take the chance. I think that was the key of the match."

Federer improved to a 45-16 match record on the season and has now qualified for the semi-finals at the prestigious event in 11 of the past 12 years (except 2008).  He has a 4-0 mark against Nadal at the season finale, including two wins each at Shanghai and London in 2006 (SF), ’07 (SF), ’10 (Final) and ’11 (RR). Federer has won eight of the nine sets.

"I just have to have the right mindset to give it one last go, maybe play with a little less pressure than I have in previous matches with him," said Federer.

"I just feel like I need to look at it more as being an underdog a little bit because of circumstances, because of my year, because of his year. Maybe that free swinging is what I kind of need to do a little bit more tomorrow."

Federer's schedule has been a heavy one with a final appearance in Basel, then a semi-final run in Paris before arriving in London for his 12th consecutive appearance at the ATP's annual season-ender.

Despite feeling the strain, Federer said he will be ready to fight tooth and nail with Nadal, who had Saturday off.

"I don't get a day off, I've got to back it up and be ready to go again tomorrow."

"I see the light at the end of the tunnel. There's two more matches and that's it," said Federer, who is looking for a seventh title at the tournament and third since it moved to London in 2009.

"We know each other that well. He's going to do exactly what he needs to do, I'm going to try to do what I need to do. Hopefully it's going to match up good for me.

"If not, he deserves it. He's had a wonderful season. We'll see how it goes," added the ever-popular Swiss.

An added bonus for Federer is that fellow Swiss and close friend Stanislas Wawrinka is also through to the semi-finals in his first appearance at the tournament.

Wawrinka faces defending champion Novak Djokovic in Sunday's second semi-final with the intriguing possibility of an all-Swiss final still a possibility.

"I don't know if I'm more excited that I won or we're both in the semis, to be honest," added Federer, who won Olympic doubles gold with Wawrinka in 2008. "I'm very happy for Stan.

"I was hoping to be there, too, make both of us get to the semis. Here we are playing the best two players of the season. I think it's incredibly interesting for the two of us, for Swiss tennis, for the Swiss media.

"I think we're gonna speak to each other a little bit later and I'll tell him a few things that I know and he'll hopefully tell me a few things he knows this week about the players we're playing."

The 32-year-old Swiss native is the oldest to reach the semi-finals in the season finale since Andre Agassi (33) in 2003. Agassi lost to Federer in the final.

This is also the second time the Big 3 of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer have reached the semi-finals together at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. In 2010, Federer defeated Djokovic and Nadal beat Andy Murray in the semi-finals. Federer defeated Nadal in the final.

Date: 9th November 2013, Source: ATP and Reuters

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Federer stays in semi-final hunt at London Finals

Six-time former champion Roger Federer kept alive his chances of qualifying for the semi-finals at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals on Thursday when he won his first Group B round robin match (1-1) this week.

Sixth seed Federer won his 43^rd match at the season finale (since 2002) with a 6-4, 6-3 win over eighth seed Richard Gasquet in 79 minutes at The O2 in London.

"Richard does a good job of making you feel uncomfortable at the same time as well, because he uses heights and spins really well,” said Federer. “He likes extended rallies. I'm trying to force the issue. But I guess those are the kind of matches I need right now - straight sets against a good player."

Only once in his previous 11 years has Federer not advanced out of round robin play in 2008 (1-2).

Federer will close out round robin action on Saturday against Juan Martin del Potro, while Gasquet plays Novak Djokovic.

Federer broke Gasquet’s serve in the third game held to 15 for a 3-1 lead. But Gasquet’s persistence got him back into the set at 4-4, after Federer mis-timed a backhand at 30/40. The Frenchman’s hard work was undone by three groundstroke errors in the next game. Federer broke and calmly held serve to complete the 34-minute opener.

Federer may well have won five straight games to lead 3-0 in the second set – but Gasquet managed to regain his composure in the nick of time at 0-2, 30/40. Gasquet was never comfortable on court. His trusted single-handed backhand failed him on 11 occasions as Federer used the angles to open up space.

Federer was mightily relieved when he converted his sixth match point opportunity in a 16-point ninth game of the set.

"Comparing the 2013 ATP World Tour season to previous trophy-laden campaigns," Federer admitted, “I needed the hard fought wins back then to go on and win the tournament. Now I feel like the hard fought wins are there to get me back to a really good level, a very competitive level.

"I'm not coming back from a serious injury, but I'm coming back from a lot of sort of ups and downs, resetting things, trying out things, making sure I get my confidence back, my movement and so forth. So it's a totally different situation.

"Today was just a battle for myself, making sure I move the right way, I play the right way, I have the right shot selection," said Federer."

Federer committed 17 of his 30 unforced errors on the forehand wing. He struck 29 winners in total and won 16 of his 20 points at the net, having carefully crafted openings from the back of the court.

Federer now has an 11-2 Head to Head record against Gasquet, who also qualified for the season finale in 2007.

Should Del Potro lose to defending champion Djokovic in Thursday's late match, Federer's meeting with the Argentine would effectively become a straight shoot-out for a semi-final spot.

"That would certainly make things clearer, otherwise the arithmetic gets complicated like it did here in 2009 when nobody knew who was going through."

Federer beats del Potro in Paris last weekend.

"That win was big for me, he did beat me three times indoors straight, the Basel finals twice, and also here last year," said the Swiss.

"I'm glad I got one back in Paris because I knew we could be again in the same group, we could be playing each other. Think that win for me in Paris psychologically was very important. I could beat top 10 guys, I beat Richard, I beat Juan Martin last week.

"My confidence is higher, and that's what I need to beat the best, and Juan Martin is part of that group honestly."

Date: 7th November 2013, Source: ATP and AFP

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Roger Federer won the Fans Favourite, Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship and Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year Awards

Roger Federer received three honours in the 2013 ATP World Tour Awards on Wednesday, in an on-court ceremony at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Federer was selected by his peers as the winner of the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award for a ninth time and by fans as the ATPWorldTour.com Fans’ Favourite for an 11th straight year.

On receiving the Sportsmanship award, Federer said, “It is very special as Stefan Edberg was my hero growing up, when all I wanted to do was play on the ATP World Tour. So to follow in his footsteps is wonderful and I hope I can be a role model for players growing up.

“It’s all a bit overwhelming to be honest,” admitted Federer, when he received the Fans' Favourite award. “I have been around a long time, so I guess that helps. I appreciate all the fans turning up to stadiums around the world. You (the fans) keep me working hard. I am forever grateful.”

In addition, the 32-year-old Swiss was named the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year for a second time (also 2006) in recognition of his foundation’s support of children in Africa and Switzerland. Since 2003, Federer has won a record total of 27 ATP World Tour Awards.



“It is something very personal on many levels,” said Federer. “I never thought that it would be possible as a young boy to establish a foundation. Arthur Ashe and Andre Agassi inspired me by their example.

“It is 10 years since we established the foundation. We hope to touch one million lives by 2018. It is an honour to receive this award for a second time.”

Andre Silva, the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Tournament Director, presented Federer the three awards, which were crafted by Tipperary Crystal.

ATPWorldTour.com Fans' presented by Moët & Chandon
(voted by fans)

Roger Federer: The Swiss has been voted ATPWorldTour.com Fans’ Favourite presented by Moët & Chandon for a record 11th straight year, receiving 56 per cent of all votes cast. Rafael Nadal finished second, followed by Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro.


Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award
(voted by ATP players)

Roger Federer: Fellow players voted the Swiss as the winner of the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award for the ninth time and third year in a row. He also won the award six straight years from 2004-09. Juan Martin del Potro, David Ferrer and Rafael Nadal were also nominated in this category.

Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year
(awarded by ATP)

Roger Federer: The 32 year old becomes just the third person to be named the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year for a second time, joining Andre Agassi and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi. Federer, who previously received the award in 2006, supports children in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa and Ethiopia and his native Switzerland through the Roger Federer Foundation, established in 2003. This past February, Federer visited the Hlukani and Govhu crèches in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, which have been supported by Foundation partner READ Educational Trust since 2010.

Date: 6th November 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer: World Tour Finals should stay indoors

Roger Federer hopes the ATP World Tour Finals remains as an indoor tournament at London's O2 Arena, as he countered comments made by Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic on the subject.

Nadal believes the World Tour Finals would be 'more fair' to move away from the indoor environment to outdoor clay court, while Djokovic feels the tournament should move to various cities. Federer though, is happy where the season-finale is currently played.

"I truly believe the World Tour Finals should stay indoors, and I think indoors deserves a great event," record six-time Finals champion Federer said.

"I know there’s an argument to have it on clay, on grass, to have it outdoors - and I did play outdoors in Houston,” Federer said. “I just feel indoors doesn’t have enough play. The indoor season is small."

"What's good about playing indoors is that you know what you're getting into. Matches are going to be played and not delayed. Indoor clay is not something we should look at. That's why probably it has to stay indoor hard in my personal opinion."

And the Swiss expressed his desire for the World Tour Finals to remain in London beyond its contract expiry date of 2015, saying: "I kind of secretly hope maybe it could stay here at the O2, but that's for somebody else to decide."

Federer was given a tremendous reception as he entered onto court, and the player who collected the first of his record 17 career grand slams a decade ago at Wimbledon was delighted to receive such a reception.

"It was very nice to get the support I get all around the world. The O2 is special to me just because it's nice being the last eight of a tough year," he said. "I really appreciate all the support I get anywhere really, but particularly here in London where I've celebrated some of my biggest victories."

Asked whether he is going to feel pressure in his next match against Richard Gasquet - knowing a defeat could eliminate him from the event - Federer responded: "Maybe. So what do I do in those situations? I try to win, so thank you for the reminder," with a smile on his face.

Date: 6th November 2013, Source: ESPN

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Djokovic overcomes Federer in Group B

After a tough battle in the first Round Robin match of ATP World Tour Finals, Roger Federer was defeated 4-6, 7-6(2), 2-6 by Novak Djokovic in Group B.

Djokovic saved a break point at 4-4, 30/40 in the first set, when Federer missed a forehand into space by a whisker.

In the next game, Federer came under pressure. At 15/30, Djokovic hit a forehand to Federer’s toes and the six-time former titlist spooned a forehand out of the court.

Federer saved the first break point with an angled backhand volley, which Djokovic could only just lunge for. Djokovic made sure on the next point to clinch the 37-minute set. Federer, who needed to be aggressive to play close to the baseline, committed 15 unforced errors.

The second set was a tense affair, which Federer should have won sooner than he did. By attacking the net, Federer took time away from Djokovic. Although there were three straight breaks of serve – in games five, six and seven – neither player dominated.

Federer failed to convert a set point opportunity on serve at 5-4. Djokovic went on to convert his second break point chance after a forehand error. In the tie-break, Federer used the angles of the court to great effect and the crowd at The O2 was delighted when he sealed the 70-minute set for a decider.

"It was probably the toughest start I could get for this tournament," said Djokovic. "It was always going to be a tough match for both of us.

"Of course, Roger was fighting throughout," said Djokovic. "The second set was very close. I was not satisfied with my serve. I basically played with no serve. No first serves the whole second set. But when I needed to in the third, I served well. I'm just happy that I overcome this challenge.

"It was intense. It was emotional, up and down. But I lost my calmness. I have to say, in the middle of the second set. At 2-2, I had 40 love. I lost that game for no reason. He started playing better. He started making less mistakes."

Djokovic tightened up his game and committed fewer unforced errors in the third set. He broke Federer's serve in the opening game and once he came through an eighth-minute second game the two-time season finale titlist went on to take a 5-1 lead.

Federer kept battling, but Djokovic won 18 of his 20 first service points and struck 13 winners.

"I think Novak also struggled for a long period of time tonight," said Federer. "So did I. I'm not even sure if we played our best in the third set. It's just one of those matches you try to take advantage when the other guy's not 100 percent."

"I thought I had a chance today. So that's the part where I'm unhappy. I wasn't able to take advantage of it. Because I was actually feeling much better than I was in Paris overall, physically.

"I think at this point it's very mental, just making sure I don't get too negative on myself because of the loss today. I mean, it was against Novak after all. It's not against some journeyman."

Federer now has a 42-10 record at the season finale and won it for a record six times. He is competing for a record-tying 12th straight year.

Date: 6th November 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer ready for "interesting ATP World Tour Finals"

Six-time former champion Roger Federer believes that all eight qualifiers are playing good tennis coming into the ATP World Tour Finals.

Federer, who has qualified for the record-tying 12th straight year, told reporters on Sunday, "I think everyone who is playing in the ATP World Tour Finals is actually in good shape and is playing good tennis. It’s not that someone is coming in and is not playing well. It makes it for an interesting tournament."

"If you look at all the guys, they have played a full schedule. It is definitely a physical and endurance fight to win the title after two or three straight weeks."

Federer has been drawn in Group B alongside defending champion Novak Djokovic, 2009 finalist Juan Martin del Potro and Richard Gasquet, who is competing at the season finale for the first time since 2007.

Federer beat del Potro in the BNP Paribas Masters quarter-finals this week, before losing to Djokovic in the semi-finals.

“Novak is playing great,” said Federer, who practised at The O2 mid-afternoon prior to his media conference. “He has won every tournament he has played over the last few. He has a lot of confidence and is playing really well.

“Juan Martin the same, I just played him too. He has reached semis or finals or better in the tournaments he has played. The question is, how fit or how much energy has he got left? I expect him to be tough to beat.

“Richard has played a lot of tennis this year, especially at the back end ever since the US Open. He has really tried to make it to the ATP World Tour Finals. He made it, credit to him. He is playing well as well.”

Federer realises that he has his work cut out, but admitted, “I usually play good tennis here - I don’t’ know why, but it gets the best out of me.

Coming into the season finale in London with a 43-15 match record on the season, Federer confessed that “the year has been more difficult. Most of the time, I was focusing on myself to get things right in my life with my back.

“Now, finally that I did, I feel like it is coming together at the right time for me. It has a different feel because it hasn’t been as consistent, as good and solid as it has been than in previous years.”

Federer plays Djokovic on Tuesday night in what we be a repeat of the 2012 title match at the ATP World Tour Finals. Federer leads their Head to Head 16-14.

Date: 4th November 2013, Source: ATP

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Roger 'excited' to play Novak back-to-back; World Tour Finals draw announced

Nearly a full calendar year passed before Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic faced off on the ATP World Tour. Now, the two will go toe-to-toe twice over a four-day period.

Djokovic rallied past Federer 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the BNP Paribas Masters semi-finals on Saturday, but Federer will quickly have a chance for revenge on Tuesday when he plays the Serbian in the night session at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Reflecting on the unique situation, Federer said, “It's unusual, no doubt about it to play back-to-back matches against Novak… I'm always excited about those challenges.

“I have had a good couple of weeks now. Most important thing is to recover as much as I can, so maybe the extra day I will get over Novak now, could be an advantage. But I doubt it. He didn't play Basel. So for me, it's really important to rest right now and make sure I sleep enough and do all those things before our match on Tuesday.”

Federer and Djokovic were drawn in a jam-packed Group B that also features Juan Martin del Potro and Frenchman Richard Gasquet. Federer ended a three-match losing streak to del Potro when he beat him in the Paris quarter-finals.

“With Del Potro, sometimes he wins; sometimes I win. Djokovic beat me, and maybe in three days I will have another opportunity playing him,” said Federer. “But it’s different circumstances and a different stadium in a different place. Now the turnaround is so quick. I like that challenge, but it's not easy.”

Federer has won a record six titles at the season finale.

GROUP A

Rafael Nadal (1)
David Ferrer (3)
Tomas Berdych (5)
Stanislas Wawrinka (7)

GROUP B

Novak Djokovic (2)
Juan Martin del Potro (4)
Roger Federer (6)
Richard Gasquet (8)

Date: 2nd November 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer lost to Djokovic in Paris semis

Roger Federer was not able to win his semi-final against Novak Djokovic in Paris-Bercy today, he was defeated 6-4, 3-6, 2-6 in a two hours battle.

Federer made a strong start to the semi-final contest, breaking for a 2-1 lead. He saved four break points in the 10th game before clinching the opener.

The Basel native immediately capitalised on his momentum with a break of serve in the first game of the second set, but Djokovic fought back well. The Serb won five of the next six games to level the match and dominated the decider, losing only five points on serve as he claimed victory in just over two hours.

“I was pretty happy with my level of play,” said Federer. “I wish I could have kept it up for a bit longer and put him under pressure, but Novak battled well to stay in the match in the second set and the third set. I had my chances in the second and third sets. Disappointed right now, but overall it was a good week for me.”

Date: 2nd November 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer beats Del Potro for Djokovic SF in Paris

Fifth seed and 2011 champion Roger Federer will face second seed and 2009 titlist Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster semi-final on Saturday at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris.

Federer will attempt to improve his 16-13 Head to Head lead against Djokovic, after he recorded a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory over fourth seed Juan Martin del Potro in one hour and 44 minutes on Friday evening.

"I think we always play well against each other," said Federer of Djokovic. "When we play, it's very athletic. We will both try to be aggressive and take the initiative. So tomorrow, given the surface and the conditions here, it's also going to be the case. It's interesting. I always liked this rivalry with Novak.

"I prefer playing him now than four months ago. I'm more confident now and I believe again in my chances. But if I had played a few weeks ago or a few months ago, I might have thought that I was not sure. I believe I can win more now. I will try my best against him because he's again having a very good year."

Federer, 32, beat a player ranked in the Top 10 of the ATP Rankings for just the second time this year and advanced to his seventh tour-level semi-final of the season, which includes one ATP World Tour title at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle (d. Youzhny).

"That's definitely good for my confidence, because those are the kind of wins I need right now," said Federer. "It was clearly a huge victory, giving myself a chance to be in the semis here, and playing Novak is clearly very exciting."

Federer lost just two of his 22 service points in the first set, as he set about to avenge Sunday’s loss to del Potro in the Swiss Indoors Basel final. He hit 17 winners and committed just four unforced errors.

In a competitive second set, Federer struck a forehand wide at 4-5, 30/30 to gift del Potro one set point opportunity. Though he saved it, another costly unforced error gave del Potro a second chance. A forehand into the net - his 12th unforced error, handed del Potro the 41-minute set.

Momentum swung in Federer’s favour in the decider. The Swiss broke del Potro to love for a 3-2 lead only to see his opponent immediately bounce back with striking a stunning crosscourt forehand pass. Federer won the third straight game against the server, then calmly took a 5-3 lead. He broke del Potro for a third time in the set to earn his 43rd match win of the season.

"I was very happy with today's match," commented Federer. "I think it was a particularly good first set and a bit of a pity I couldn't break early in the second. I think Juan Martin did well to hang around.

"I think I did well today to start stronger this time around in the third set. It was something I couldn't quite do in Basel. I think I was just overall hitting a better ball again today and moving well and taking good decisions time and time again, so I was very happy with my level of play today."

Federer now leads 14-5 against Del Potro in their Head to Head meetings.

Date: 1st November 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer sets up Del Potro rematch

One day after securing his berth in the ATP World Tour Finals, Roger Federer continued his success on the indoor courts in Paris, advancing to face Juan Martin del Potro in a rematch of their Swiss Indoors Basel final.

Federer needed just over one hour to secure a 6-3, 6-4 victory over his German opponent at the BNP Paribas Masters on Thursday, serving eight aces and defending the three break points he faced during the third-round match.

"I'm happy with the way things went today from start to finish," said Federer. "I was able to play a consistent match, and I closed out nicely."

The 32-year-old Federer goes on to del Potro in a rematch of the Swiss Indoors Basel final, which the Argentine won in three thrilling sets.

"I have an idea of my tactics, my game plan," said Federer about playing del Potro. "Now it's important to be able to actually do it on the court."

Federer leads 13-5 in their Head to Head meetings, with the 17-time Grand Slam champion losing their previous three encounters. "It's an important match for me now," said Federer. "I need to take my opportunities."

Date: 31st October 2013, Source: ATP

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