Federer extends winning streak, reaches Paris QFs

Roger Federer kept up the pressure on Novak Djokovic in the battle for year-end No. 1 Thursday when he reached the BNP Paribas Masters quarter-finals.

Second seed Federer extended his winning streak to 14 matches with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over 20-year-old French qualifier Lucas Pouille to set up a clash against seventh seed Milos Raonic, who has a chance of qualifying for next month’s ATP World Tour Finals.

Looking ahead to his quarter-final clash with London hopeful Raonic, against whom he has a 6-0 ATP Head2Head record, Federer said: “It's good that I didn't spend too much energy today. I'm into the tournament. I think after five sets you more or less know where you're standing. Milos has a lot in his racquet. I mean, the way he serves, the way he plays after that. It's a tough match, but I'm looking forward to it. There is a possible semi-final after that for both of us and also the London issue, so it's more fun.”

Federer has lifted five trophies from 10 finals this year, including at his past two tournaments, the Shanghai Rolex Masters (d. Simon) and a sixth crown at the Swiss Indoors Basel (d. Goffin). He is now three match wins shy of 250 indoor victories (247-60), a milestone he could reach if he lifts his 24th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown on Sunday.

The 2011 Paris champion broke Pouille at 3-3 in the first set, committing just six unforced errors. Pouille, who was not outclassed in his 11th tour-level match, produced a string of backhand winners that delighted the French crowd. Federer broke in a nine-minute game at 3-3 in the second set, to put him on course for his 68th victory of the year.

"It was a difficult match against an opponent who had nothing to lose but I played well even if he put me under pressure and I'm very satisfied," said Federer.

"I feel pretty good and fresh in my head despite a lot of matches lately so now looking forward to tomorrow."

Asked if he remembered what it was like to be in Pouille’s shoes - a rookie playing a legend of the game - Federer recalled three matches from his early career: “Basel '98 when I played Agassi. That was his comeback year after he dropped… Then Moya ’99 in Marseille. He was World No. 4.  I got a wild card into that. Then I played Rafter at the French Open first round. I also got a wildcard and broke the first game. And then got broken back. I won the set, but he crushed me. That was a big moment. So those three stand out to me.

“Agassi was the type of draw I didn't really want because I knew he had such an easy time finding my backhand.  Back then my backhand really wasn't that good.  I played a really good match actually.  I think I won five games and I was extremely happy with the way I played.”

Should he win the Paris title, Federer will replace Djokovic at No. 1 in the ATP Rankings and ATP Race To London unless the Serb reaches the final.

Date: 30th October 2014, Source: ATP and AFP

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Federer holds off chardy in Paris

Roger Federer withstood a tough test from home favourite Jeremy Chardy to advance 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 6-4 to the BNP Paribas Masters third round on Wednesday.

The 33 year old extended his winning streak to 13 matches, a run that includes picking up his sixth Basel title last week (d. Goffin) and his 23rd ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown in Shanghai (d. Simon) last month.

Federer, the 2011 Paris champion, is on Novak Djokovic's heels in the battle for year-end No. 1, trailing the Serb by just 490 points in the ATP Race To London. Federer is trying to finish the season as No. 1 for the sixth time, which would equal Pete Sampras’ record.​

The 33-year-old Federer dropped his opening service game and eventually found himself serving down 2-5 against the 27-year-old Chardy. The Swiss erased four of Chardy’s set points as the Frenchman served for the set at 4-5, and consolidated the break to even the set at 5-5. Federer would go on to win his 11th straight tie-break - his previous loss was to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Rogers Cup final - after Chardy dumped a forehand into the net.

In the second set, both players held serve - Chardy erased both break points he faced - before heading into another tie-break. This time, the Frenchman had the upper hand, pushing their third ATP Head2Head encounter into a decider after smacking an inside-out forehand out of Federer's reach.

Federer grabbed the break early in the third, and stayed on track to close out the victory in two hours and 31 minutes. Federer next plays qualifier Lucas Pouille, who upset 16th seed Fabio Fognini 7-6(5), 7-6(7) in their second-round clash.

"I was expecting it to be difficult. Chardy has made it hard for me in the past," said Federer.

"It was a very, very difficult match. I had two match points in the second set and was a bit worried but I tried to keep coming forward and I'm very, very satisfied.

"He's got a great forehand and a great serve but I played well and I'm very happy, albeit a bit tired." added Federer.

Date: 29th October 2014, Source: ATP and AFP

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Federer targets No.1 spot as race for London heats up

Roger Federer is taking his battle with Novak Djokovic for the world number one spot down to the wire as he arrives at the Paris Masters as the hottest player on Tour.

While the fight for the top place going to the final tournaments of the season, there is also a sub-plot set to unravel with the newly refurbished Bercy Arena set to determine the final eight places for London.

The Swiss 17-time Grand Slam winner won his 82nd career tournament and sixth title at Basel on Sunday, extending his winning streak to 12 matches and record for the year to a Tour best of 66 wins against 10 defeats.

Djokovic's lead over Federer has been slashed to fewer than 500 points with 2,500 up for grabs at Paris and the season-ending World Tour Finals in London.

On top of that, the 33-year-old can also pick up further few points when he plays the Davis Cup final for Switzerland against France which begins on November 21 in Lille.

"It would be very special to reclaim number one," said Federer.

"World No. 1 is what it's all about in our game and with the year I have had and the amount of finals I have played, the level of tennis I have played, I am pleased to see that I have a shot.

"But having a shot and being there are two separate things. I am sure that Novak is going to come in very motivated, just after having become a father. I am very happy for him. There are clearly interesting weeks ahead."

World number three Rafael Nadal is out for the season as he gets set to have an appendix operation while Swiss number two Stan Wawrinka is guaranteed his place in London and Croat Marin Cilic, ranked seven, qualifies automatically as US Open champion.

British two-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray has also hit top form coming to Paris and outlasted Spaniard Tommy Robredo on Sunday, saving five match points on the way to his third title the season in 3 hours 20 minutes, the longest ATP final of the year.

The victory for the 27-year-old Scot was his 20th match in five weeks, but lifted him into fifth in the race to London, ahead of Japan's Kei Nishikori, Czech Republic's Thomas Berdych and David Ferrer of Spain.

Canada's Milos Raonic, a beaten quarter-finalist against rising Belgian star David Goffin at Basel, and the player Federer defeated in straight sets in the final, needs a strong showing coming in at ten, while Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov is also in the running, starting the week at number 11.

Federer has had a superb season and will now be looking to get his extended family installed in the French capital as well as recovering from his efforts in Basel where he won a sixth title.

"That's actually the goal for the next day or two," said the father of two sets of twins. "It's not a small job," said Federer who has won three of his past four tournaments.

"I'm looking forward to Paris, I enjoy playing there," added 2011 winner Federer who lost a year ago to Djokovic in the semi-finals.

"I played well last year so let's see how it's gonna go. I play probably on Wednesday (after a first round bye). I might be a little tired but there's still an opportunity to recover once we get in the city.

"I'm playing with confidence, and it's indoors, not exactly a super-grind. I'm in a section of the draw with a lot of big servers," he added in reference to the presence of Ivo Karlovic and Raonic on his side of the draw.

Date: 27th October 2014, Source: AFP

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Federer gives pizza party for Basel ball kids

After winning his sixth Basel trophy on Sunday in a dominant performance against David Goffin, Roger Federer celebrated as he does every time he has reached Swiss Indoors final - by throwing a pizza party for the tournament ball kids.

The 33 year old has a very special relationship with the ball kids at this event. Federer himself was a ball boy in Basel, which this year celebrated its 25th year as being part of the ATP World Tour.

"That's exactly where I'm going right now," Federer said as he wrapped up his press conference. "In a minute you'll see me with the ball boys and ball girls. That's how it all started with me. I would ride my bike from home - about five to 10 minutes away - and I was a ballboy here all day long and would go back home and do it again the next day. So I always have a tradition where everyone has a pizza with me after the final. It's been 11 times now. I do it win or lose, regardless."

Federer was playing in his 11th final at this ATP World Tour 500 event, winning his sixth title in eight years and the first since 2011. He finished runner-up to Juan Martin del Potro in 2012 and 2013.

Date: 26th October 2014, Source: ATP

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Federer captures 6th Basel crown, continues No.1 quest

Roger Federer further closed the gap with Novak Djokovic in the battle for year-end No. 1, claiming his sixth Swiss Indoors Basel title 6-2, 6-2 over David Goffin on Sunday.

The hometown hero denied the young gun his third title of the year and has clawed to within striking distance of Djokovic for the top spot in the ATP Race To London. Federer finds himself less than 500 points behind the Serb with a combined 2,500 up for grabs between next week's BNP Paribas Masters and the season finale ATP World Tour Finals.

"It would be very special to reclaim No. 1," said Federer. "World No. 1 is what it's all about in our game. With the year I have had and the amount of finals I have played, the level of tennis I have played, I am pleased to see that I have a shot. But having a shot and being there is two separate things. I am sure that Novak is going to come in very motivated, just after having a baby. I am very happy for him. There are clearly interesting weeks ahead."

The Swiss, who was contesting his 11th Basel final, won his sixth title in eight years and first since 2011. He captured his 82nd tour-level trophy overall, extending his win streak to 12 straight after emerging victorious at the Shanghai Rolex Masters earlier this month.

In total, Federer has won six titles or more at six tournaments - Dubai (6), Halle (7), Wimbledon (7), Cincinnati (6), Basel (6), and ATP World Tour Finals (6).

The top seed snatched the opening break of the match in the first game and cruised from there, securing an early break for 3-2 in the second set and closing out the victory after just 51 minutes. He fired five aces and 19 winners, winning an impressive 93 per cent of second serve points.

"It is always such a treat to be in the final here, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd," said Federer. "It's why I play tennis, why I play the tournament here in Basel. It will remain very special for me personally.

''I'm very pleased how well I'm playing,'' Federer said. ''It was a great final, I think I played really well and I'm full of confidence now.

''I was expecting it to be tough and him taking charge at times but I think I was really able to control the match with my serve and then with my variation on the return. I think I did really well, I was fresh today, it was again a fifth day of tennis for me in a row and I'm happy I'm able to keep it up time and time again, week after week.

"It is not easy to be down and react in a best-of-three-set match. You can only try your best and David did that. He had a great week and I think he plays wonderful tennis. I wish him all the best for next year and I hope we will see more of him. I think he is a fan favourite with his shot making and his attitude."

Federer takes home $352,355 and 500 ATP Rankings points, improving to an ATP World Tour-leading 66-10 record in 2014 and 56-9 in Basel. Runner-up Goffin earns $158,860 and 300 points for his efforts.

"It was a tough match, of course," admitted Goffin. "Here in his hometown, he was in great shape and played too good for me today. At the beginning of the match I was a little bit nervous, especially a final against Roger. It's not easy to return his serve. That’s why it was a nightmare for me today. I made a lot of mistakes and I didn’t serve well, but it has been a good week for me. I will try to do better next time."

Goffin, who had won 43 of 45 matches (including on the ATP Challenger Tour) since Wimbledon, fell to 24-14 on the ATP World Tour this year. The Belgian was seeking his third title of the year following triumphs on the clay of Kitzbühel and indoor hard courts of Metz. He will conclude his 2014 campaign at the BNP Paribas Masters, opening against Lukas Rosol.

Date: 26th October 2014, Source: ATP and AP

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Federer defeats Karlovic to reach 11th Basel final

Roger Federer fought off an ace assault from a dogged Ivo Karlovic to reach his 11th Swiss Indoors Basel final, prevailing 7-6(8), 3-6, 6-3 on Saturday.

The hometown hero extended his win streak to 11 straight as he continued his push to conclude the season as year-end World No. 1. If he wins the title, Federer will be less than 500 points behind Novak Djokovic in the ATP Race To London, with 1,000 points awaiting the champion of next week's BNP Paribas Masters. The five-time Basel champion will contest his 123rd title match on the ATP World Tour against Belgian rising star David Goffin.

Federer overcame 33 aces from the big-serving Croat to claim victory after one hour and 42 minutes, winning 80 per cent of points on his own serve. The 33 year old staved off a pair of set points in a grueling 18-point first set tie-break and would eventually secure the opener after rifling a backhand passing shot, one of his 40 winners on the day.

In the second set, Karlovic fired four straight aces for a 4-3 lead and immediately proceeded to break Federer in the next game. He had previously failed to convert on a break point (0/9) in their last seven meetings, dating back to 2007. The Zagreb native would force a decider, but Federer held his nerve, breaking in the fourth game of the third set and holding on for the victory.

"I'm relieved, always in a match like this against someone who can serve as big as Ivo," Federer said. "It was a good feeling get out of it as the winner. I thought it was impressive how big he served. I didn't expect the break in the third set, so I was happy to get that and bring it home.

"I never thought I would be this successful at this tournament. I'm hoping to enjoy the final and that the crowd will be as good as it was today. It would mean the world to me to win in Basel. It's going to be an exciting but a tough match."

Karlovic was bidding to reach his 13th final on the ATP World Tour and fifth of the year. He currently sits 10 aces shy of 9,000 for his career and will look to join countryman Goran Ivanisevic and Andy Roddick as the only men to achieve the feat, at the BNP Paribas Masters next week.

The lone previous meeting between Federer and Goffin came in the 2012 Roland Garros fourth round. The Swiss stormed back from a set down to prevail in four tight sets.

Date: 25th October 2014, Source: ATP

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Federer beats Dimitrov, faces Karlovic in Basel SFs

One year after they faced off for the first time, Roger Federer once again got the better of Grigor Dimitrov in the Swiss Indoors Basel quarter-finals. The Swiss defeated the Bulgarian 7-6(4), 6-2 to keep alive his hopes for a sixth hometown title.

The World No. 2 edged the first set in a tie-break after 54 minutes, and converted on his fifth break point opportunity of the match to go up 2-0 in the second. He broke Dimitrov for a second time and claimed victory after one hour and 29 minutes. Federer saved all four break points he faced, hit 29 winners to Dimitrov's 25, and won 20 of 31 points at the net.

“I thought the level was high throughout for both of us,” said Federer. “I think Grigor served very well in the first, he didn’t give me very many opportunities. It was a tough end to the set, with me saving set points and then the tie-break stayed close at the end, but I’m very pleased to come through there. I think overall it was a very good performance and I played my best tennis of the week so far.”

Federer has a chance of finishing as the year-end World No. 1, and can close the gap between him and Novak Djokovic in the ATP Race To London to less than 500 points by winning the Basel title this week. Dimitrov, currently No. 11 in the Race standings, was looking to boost his qualifying bid for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

The 33-year-old Federer will take an 11-1 ATP Head2Head record into his next match against 35-year-old Ivo Karlovic, including a victory in the 2007 Basel semi-finals. The 6’11” Croat advanced with a 6-4, 6-4 win over German Benjamin Becker.

The eighth seed struck 19 aces and won 86 per cent of his first-serve points to advance in 76 minutes. “It’s great to be here again in the semi-finals,” said Karlovic. “I was holding my serve well against Benjamin. All in all it was a great match.”

Date: 24th October 2014, Source: ATP

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Federer shrugs off slow start to reach Basel quarters

Roger Federer shrugged off dropping the first set against journeyman Denis Istomin on Thursday before hitting back to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 and reach the Swiss Indoors quarter-finals.

It was the top seed and five-time champion's 53rd career win at his hometown event, the place where he got his start in the sport as a ballboy two decades ago.

He now stands at a perfect 6-0 over world number 55 Istomin, who gave Federer plenty of trouble during their one-hour, 48-minute meeting.

Federer's win kept up the pressure on Novak Djokovic as the Swiss takes aim at a possible return to the year-end world number one ranking currently held by the Serb.

But the 33-year-old admitted his start had been slow.

"I was lacking rhythm in first set, it was close but he played well when he had to. He served well on the break point he faced.

"It was tough to lose that set but it was important to bounce back in the second set and get my teeth into the match.

"In the third I got the upper hand and was moving him around the baseline. I was more consistent, it just took awhile to make the breakthrough.

"In the end it was a tough and good match for me. The key was to clears up my game, get the win and give myself an opportunity for tomorrow."

Federer, who won his first-round match in 47 minutes, lost the opening set on a break as Istomin landed a return at his feet for a crucial 4-2 lead.

The second set momentum finally turned for Federer, who fired three love games and lost just two points on serve as he levelled with a forehand winner to the corner on set point.

In the third, the Swiss was frustrated by stubborn Istomin defence, with Federer missing on four break points in the opening game before finally breaking for 2-1 on the eighth break point of the set, a passing winner.

Federer completed his comeback with a sixth ace on match point to advance into a quarter-final against fifth seed Grigor Dimitrov, who beat Canadian Vasek Pospisil, a 2013 semi-finalist, 6-2, 6-2.

Federer claimed the title in 2006 (d. Gonzalez), '07 (d. Nieminen), '08 (d. Nalbandian), '10 (d. Djokovic) and '11 (d. Nishikori). He finished runner-up to Juan Martin del Potro in the past two years.

Date: 23rd October 2014, Source: AFP

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Federer races to 47-minute win at Basel

Roger Federer continued his push for the year-end ATP World Tour No. 1 spot on Wednesday when he began his bid for a sixth title at the Swiss Indoors Basel.

Top seed Federer improved to 5-0 lifetime against Gilles Muller in a 6-2, 6-1 victory over just 47 minutes on Wednesday evening.

Federer hit 12 winners, including five aces in the 24-minute opener and did not lose any of his service points in the second set.

"I am very happy with how the first round went here," said Federer. "It was totally different to Shanghai, when I saved five match points [versus Leonardo Mayer]. This time around, I was really in control from the get-go. I hope I can keep this level up."

The Swiss superstar is now 52-9 lifetime at the ATP World Tour 500 tournament, where he has reached 10 finals (5-5 record). He adds 45 points to his ATP Race To London tally and now stands 945 points behind No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic, who welcomed the arrival of his first child, Stefan, yesterday.

Federer will next meet Denis Istomin in the second round on Thursday.

"He really imposes his game, with a big forehand, backhand and serve," said Federer of Istomin. "He can be dangerous on return too. I have to be sharp on my own service games, which was a problem here against him last year."

Date: 22nd October 2014, Source: ATP

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Federer flirts with perfection in late-season surge

Life couldn't be better - or more surprising - for Roger Federer as the 33-year-old takes aim at multiple major goals starting with a sixth title at his home Swiss Indoors.

The top seed admitted on Tuesday that his current positive situation even has him surprised, with Switzerland playing France in the Davis Cup final next month.

Federer also has a decent shot at regaining the world number one ranking, given the right circumstances.

Federer has been training on clay for the Davis Cup showdown but is now back to total concentration on the slow indoor hardcourt at the St Jakobshalle, where he has reached the last eight finals at the stadium where he got his start in the game as a ballboy.

"It's a nice feeling being back in an arena that I know so well and have had so much success," said the 17-time Grand Slam winner who opens on Wednesday in the first round against Luxembourg's Gilles Muller.

"It feels great right now, I'm happy I'm playing so well since the birth of Leo and Lenny," said the recent Shanghai champion.

"I'm happy Switzerland made the Davis Cup finals. We've put ourselves in an exciting position. An away tie in France is cool.

"And the fact that I've gotten so close to the number one ranking is a bit of a surprise for me. I've not won a Slam this year but I was extremely close at Wimbledon (fifth set against Novak Djokovic).

"But I've played very consistently or I would not be in this position. It's a very different year end for me. But If I don't win a few more titles number one won't happen.

"Right now, it's all to play for, I want to start it well here in Basel."

In addition to all of those objectives, Federer has the eight-man World Tour Finals in London to concentrate on the week prior to the Davis final.

With his crowded schedule, Federer said that he almost opted not to play Shanghai, where he won that Masters 1000 title for the first time less than a fortnight ago beating Frenchman Gilles Simon.

"I had considered not playing Shanghai and then playing Vienna. But at the end, I decided to go to Shanghai. If that had not gone well, I might have even skipped Paris (next week) to train on clay.

"But in the current situation, I'm feeling good. I had two weeks of vacation after the (September) Davis Cup semi-finals. There was even the possibility of not playing her for safety in case I had felt tired or injured after Shanghai.

"The team discussed everything: what was the best for energy, what was my passion, what to do.

"I'm happy I decided to play here. I'll take it from here but it's likely I'll also play Paris."

Federer heads a field where second seed Rafael Nadal is playing for the first time in a decade. The Spaniard won his opener on Monday, beating Simone Bolelli.

While the tournament drawcard was making final preparations, Davis Cup teammate Stan Wawrinka was going down to defeat in his opening match, losing to Kazakh Mikhail Kukushkin 6-4, 6-7(1), 6-3 in almost two and a quarter hours which saw the Australian Open champion's poor run of form continue having lost his last three matches.

The match was interrupted for 30 minutes as high winds buffetted city electric cables and caused e sudden dimming of stadium lights to below acceptable levels.

Date: 22nd October 2014, Source: AFP

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"Surprised" Federer eager to exploit World No. 1 chance

It may be a surprise to him that he is in this position, but the battle for year-end No. 1 is now not far from Roger Federer’s mind as he prepares to make his 15th appearance at his hometown tournament in Basel this week.

Victory at the recent Shanghai Rolex Masters - where he defeated Gilles Simon to claim his 23rd ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title - put Federer within striking distance of Novak Djokovic in the race to finish year-end World No. 1.

Djokovic, who is not in action this week, leads Federer by 990 points in the ATP Race To London (the year-to-date standings), a gap that Federer could narrow to less than 500 points if he lifts the trophy at the Swiss Indoors Basel for a sixth time this week. Indeed, there is the potential for Federer to earn 3000 points in total from Basel, Paris and the ATP World Tour Finals, giving him a very real chance of pipping Djokovic to the post.

Speaking in Basel on Tuesday, Federer, who previously held the No. 1 mantle for 302 weeks, said, “It's all to play for and I hope to start off well in Basel. The fact that I've gotten so close to No. 1 is a bit of a surprise to me, because clearly I'm aware I haven't won a Slam. But I was extremely close at Wimbledon and I've been very consistent throughout, otherwise I wouldn't be in this situation.

“It's a different year end than I thought it was going to be, but it doesn't actually change a whole lot. I was always going to play the tournaments that I'm playing now and I know that if I don't win a few of them, World No. 1 is not going to happen as well.”



The 33-year-old Federer, who finished year-end World No. 1 in 2004-07 and 2009, has a 51-9 record at the ATP World Tour 500 tournament in Basel, reaching the final 10 times (5-5 record). He is looking to reclaim the trophy, having finished runner-up the past two years to Juan Martin del Potro.

“I hope after the very solid year that I've played this year, there's good tennis left in me for this tournament,” said Federer, who made his main draw debut in Basel as a 17 year old against Andre Agassi in 1998. “The pressure has changed a lot over the years. I wanted to do so well here when I was younger that... I don't want to say it consumed me, because I actually never played a poor tournament here. But now, with the experience I have, I take it as a normal tournament.

“Once I get out on the courts, it's a nice feeling being back in the arena that I know so well and where I've had so much success. But I'm not panicky about the tournament anymore like I used to be maybe 10 years ago, when it all started for me.

"I've played here so many times. I know how the court feels and that is an advantage,” said top seed Federer, who opens his campaign against Gilles Muller on Wednesday evening. “Of course, the pressure can always get to you, but I think with the experience I have these days, I walk out and I'm actually quite laidback and really excited to be back on the centre court in Basel.”

Date: 21st October 2014, Source: ATP

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Federer challenges Djokovic in No.1 battle

Roger Federer has upped the challenge in the battle for year-end World No. 1.

The 33-year-old, who fell to World No. 8 earlier this season, returned to World No. 2 on Monday for the first time in more than a year and now stands within 1,000 points of Novak Djokovic in the calendar-year ATP Race To London. He defeated defending champion Djokovic in the Shanghai Rolex Masters semi-finals on Saturday before lifting his second straight ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophy.

Now Federer - the year-end No. 1 from 2004-07 and in ’09 - is looking to become the second player to hold, lose and regain the year-end No. 1 mantle on two occasions. Rafael Nadal became the first to accomplish the feat last year, following his previous No. 1 finishes in 2008 and ’10.

Though 3,000 ATP Race To London points remain up for grabs over his next three tournaments, Federer downplayed the opportunity to regain No. 1, focusing instead on finishing his season on a high note.

“I think this year everything is going really well,” he said. “I have still so many highlights to look forward to for the end of the season, which is very nice. Usually everything slows down at the end of the season. Not for me this time.

“What does it need for World No. 1? I'm not quite sure. I need to look into that, how realistic it is or not. I mean, it's in Novak's racquet. He dictates. But nevertheless, I'm still going to be playing and hopefully playing well again.”

Nadal also has an outside chance of defending his year-end No. 1 crown, trailing Djokovic by 2,265 points in the ATP Race To London.

Federer and Nadal are scheduled to play next week at the Swiss Indoors Basel, where 500 Emirates ATP Race To London points will be awarded to the champion. Federer has reached the final in his last eight appearances at his hometown tournament, winning the title five times and finishing runner-up to Juan Martin del Potro the past two.

Djokovic will join the pair at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris, where the winner will collect 1,000 points, and then the trio will head to London for the ATP World Tour Finals. An undefeated champion at the season-ending championships will earn 1,500 points.

Federer has won the ATP World Tour Finals six times, in 2003-04, 2006-07 and 2010-11.

Djokovic is the two-time defending champion at The O2, capping his 2013 season with a 24-match winning streak, and is looking to finish as the year-end No. 1 for the third time in four years.

Date :14th October 2014, Source: ATP

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Federer gearing up for “many highlights” following Shanghai title

For the 13th time in his career, Roger Federer eclipsed the 60-match threshold in a season, with his run to the title at the Shanghai Rolex Masters. With three tournaments remaining on his 2014 schedule, the newly anointed World No. 2 refuses to slow down and is giving the rest of the ATP World Tour reason for concern.

Federer says he is gearing up for a strong finish. “I think this year everything is going really well. I still have so many highlights to look forward to for the end of the season, which is very nice. Usually everything slows down at the end of the season. Not for me this time.”

On Sunday, the Swiss claimed his 23rd ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title and first in Shanghai with a 7-6(6), 7-6(2) win over Gilles Simon. For just the third time, Federer has advanced to five Masters 1000 title matches in a single season (2006-07), having also reached the final in Indian Wells, Monte-Carlo and Toronto, and capturing his sixth trophy in Cincinnati. With the year-end World No. 1 spot in the ATP Rankings in sight, the Basel native lauded the hard work put in ahead of the season.

“The biggest concern was to be healthy this year. That's something I'm just so pleased about, to see that the hard work I put in last year is paying off. Not only is it paying off, but I'm feeling good, I'm waking up normal. I'm not half broken like I was last year. I'm enjoying myself on the tennis court. I'm playing the way I was hoping I could play again. Everything fell into place. I'm playing a very consistent, solid season.

“I haven't had a cramp since ‘99. That was my only time, in Davis Cup, when I was panicky. I was young. I'm very proud of that. Never pulled out. Never had cramps. Never lost very much because of fitness, especially later on in my career where I knew I've put in the hard work. I've done that. I've been very fortunate and clever as well to understand how I need to work, when I need to work. So I'm very happy to have stayed injury free for so long. I hope I can still maintain a few good years on the tour. I really hope so.”

Federer, who concludes his 2014 campaign at the Swiss Indoors Basel, BNP Paribas Masters, a record 13th straight Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and the Davis Cup Final, had high praise for the Asian swing’s crown jewel following Sunday’s final. A two-time champion at the season finale when the event was held in Shanghai (2006-07), the 33 year old says he has been eager to tick off the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event.

“I feel unbelievable prestige to win this event. Especially putting my hands on the trophy for the first time is a good feeling, I must say.

“I think the site, number one, makes this a very attractive tournament. Number two, the city I think is incredible. But then that alone is just not enough. The players need to feel very welcome. They need to feel special. I feel the tournament tries unbelievably hard for us. Just the hard work they put in to show that they care about us…It has all the ingredients for a world class tournament. I think the organisers deserve a big, big thank you and applause really, in my opinion.”

Date: 13th October 2014, Source: ATP

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Federer hazy on return to World No.1

Roger Federer insisted he wouldn't go out of his way to capture the coveted year-end world number one ranking, despite sealing back-to-back Masters wins in Shanghai on Sunday.

The third-ranked 33-year-old will return to number two on the back of his run in Shanghai, where he beat Gilles Simon 7-6(6), 7-6(2) for his fourth title of the year.

But Federer, who swatted aside top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, said getting back to number one, a position he last held two years ago, had not entered his thinking.

"I'm not even going to change my schedule because of it. I haven't thought about it, to be quite honest," said Federer.

"What does it need for world number one? I'm not quite sure. I need to look into that, how realistic it is or not," he added.

"I mean, it's in Novak's racquet. He dictates. But nevertheless, I'm still going to be playing and hopefully playing well again."

Federer is expected to round off 2014 at Basel, Paris and the World Tour Finals in London, with a total of 3,000 points available - potentially enough to outstrip Djokovic.

The veteran Swiss has already done enough to displace his great rival Rafael Nadal from second place when the new rankings go out next week.

"I'm going to anyway look at things when I come back to Switzerland in the next few days, discuss my schedule with the team, like I mentioned the other day," Federer said.

"Nothing is going to change really. It all comes down now to what are my goals, what is my energy level like, and what are my priorities in terms of tournaments."

He said he was delighted to be winning again this season after a fallow 2013 with only one tournament victory, his worst return in 12 years, and a finish outside the top five.

"Last year I only got one, which is quite disappointing to be quite honest," he told reporters in Shanghai, after lifting the 81st trophy of his career.

"I think this year everything is going really well," Federer added. "I have still so many highlights to look forward to for the end of the season, which is very nice.

"Usually everything slows down at the end of the season. Not for me this time."

Date: 13th October 2014, Source: AFP

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Federer wins elusive Shanghai crown

Roger Federer claimed the elusive Shanghai Rolex Masters crown on Sunday as he won his 23rd ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title with a 7-6(6), 7-6(2) victory over Gilles Simon.

The Swiss will return to World No. 2 in the ATP Rankings on Monday and victory in Shanghai sees him close the gap on Novak Djokovic in the battle to finish year-end World No. 1.

The 33-year-old Federer captured his fourth title of the season and his second ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown, having also triumphed at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati (d. Ferrer). Rafael Nadal is the all-time titles leader with 27 Masters 1000 trophies, but Federer leads the way with a 309-89 win-loss record in this category.

Federer had nearly been beaten at the first hurdle in Shanghai. Returning after a three-week break, the Swiss was forced to save five match points against Leonardo Mayer in a dramatic second-round contest at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center.

"It makes me very happy winning here because this tournament means a lot to me," said Federer. "I've always enjoyed coming here. I've come close a couple of times, but I've always wanted to win it as a Masters 1000.

"I feel unbelievable prestige to win this event. Especially putting my hands on the trophy for the first time is a good feeling, I must say. I'm very happy with the way I'm playing. Overall I'm just extremely happy right now."

After a stellar performance to beat Djokovic in Saturday’s semi-finals, Federer vowed he would not suffer a letdown against Simon, but struggled early on. The Swiss contributed three unforced errors as Simon broke his serve in the first game of the final, but rallied from 3-5 down to draw level in the opener. Federer was denied two set points as Simon trailed 5-6, 15/40, as the Frenchman dug deep to force a tie-break.

Federer then relinquished a 5-3 lead in the tie-break as Simon fought back to earn a set point at 6-5. Federer quickly dispelled the danger with two unreturned serves, and clinched his third set point chance with a backhand pass up the line.

Simon left the court for a medical timeout on his injured groin at the end of the first set, but returned to frustrate Federer once more in the second set. The Frenchman denied Federer on chance after chance, saving two break points in the third game and another in the seventh game.

The right-hander then had the chance to force a decider as he drew a backhand error from Federer to lead 40/15 on the Swiss’ serve at 5-6. Two forehand errors from Simon granted Federer a reprieve on the set points, though, and the Basel native made sure he capitalised on his momentum. He opened up a 6-2 lead in the tie-break and converted his first match point as Simon netted his shot after one hour and 53 minutes. The match was played under a closed roof due to high winds in Shanghai.

Federer earned 1000 ATP Rankings points and $798,540 in prize money as he improved to a 5-2 lead over Simon in their ATP Head2Head series.


It's been a banner year for Federer despite the fact he's fallen just short at the majors, including a heart-breaking loss to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. Federer leads the tour this season in match wins (61), top-10 wins (13) and final appearances (9).

The 29-year-old Simon was bidding to win his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown, having finished runner-up to Andy Murray in his first final six years ago in Madrid, when the event was held on indoor hard. After returning to the Top 30 in the ATP Rankings this week after a semi-final showing in Tokyo (l. to Raonic), former World No. 6 Simon is now projected to climb back into the Top 20 at No. 19 on Monday.

''He still has the same strengths, this fantastic serve and this huge forehand,'' Simon said. ''Now I know him, so I'm not scared anymore when I have to play him. But it's still so hard to beat him.

"He was just more opportunistic," said Simon. "We had a close match. I had a set point in the first, two in the second. It's just a few points deciding it, and he was always really good on these points. He played some great shots.

"He's putting a lot of pressure. He's always showing you that he is ready to be really aggressive on every shot. So he keeps you under pressure."

The Frenchman had knocked out two ATP World Tour Finals contenders in reaching the Shanghai final, upsetting Stan Wawrinka in the second round and Tomas Berdych in the quarter-finals. He has a 27-23 win-loss record in 2014.

Date: 12th October 2014, Source: ATP and AP

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Federer blows away Djokovic in straight sets

Roger Federer blew away Novak Djokovic in a fearsome Shanghai Masters performance Saturday to end the Serb's incredible winning streak in China and set up a final with Gilles Simon.

A brilliant attacking display from the 17-time Grand Slam winner, who served with aggression and spent much of his time at the net, unsettled the world number one for a 6-4, 6-4 win.

Federer faced and saved only one break point the entire match, hit 35 winners, 7 aces, and won 20 of 35 points at the net.

As well as raising expectations of 33-year-old Federer's 81st career title, the resounding victory will also restore him as world number two, displacing his great rival Rafael Nadal.

"It was a great match, I agree," said Federer, who will play for his 81st tour-level title on Sunday. "I think I played very well. There was nothing in the game today that wasn't working. I think it was a high-level match. I'm unbelievably happy with the way it went."

Djokovic, who was the two-time defending champion in Shanghai and clinched his fifth China Open title last week, was gunning for his 29th consecutive win on Chinese soil in his first match with Federer since this year's epic Wimbledon final.

Both players were looking to unnerve each other early on, with Djokovic attempting riskier groundstrokes to counter Federer confronting him at the net.

Every point was greeted with exuberant cheers in Shanghai's packed Qizhong Tennis Center, and the stadium erupted when Federer broke serve on his second break point in the fifth game.

Djokovic saved the first break point by finding a way past Federer - who was again at the net - but gave away his serve with a weak backhand slice moments later.

He then earned his sole break point of the set in the next game, which Federer saved. The Swiss then produced a perfect serving game at his next opportunity, firing four successive aces to march to a 5-3 lead before sealing the set 6-4.

Federer carried his ruthless approach into the early stages of the second set, breaking in the first game with a lifting groundstroke that was beyond Djokovic.

Djokovic staged a valiant attempt to break as he was losing 3-5 with some incredible net play as the pair tussled at deuce. But Federer recovered and claimed the set and match in one hour 36 minutes.

Federer improved to 19-17 against Djokovic with the result, and will overtake Nadal, who is suffering appendix problems, to claim second place in the rankings next week.

"He played from first to last point a very, very good match," a dejected Djokovic said.

"It's just that he played everything he wanted to play. He played the perfect match. I think he's going to tell you how he felt, but that's how I felt he played. He played an amazing match."

"This tonight is definitely one of the best matches he has played against me, that's for sure."

Federer's best showing at the Masters 1000 event was as runner up in 2010, although he did win in Shanghai when it hosted the Tennis Masters Cup in 2006 and 2007.

Federer said that confronting Djokovic at the net was part of his game-plan.

He will meet Simon in the decider Sunday, after the Frenchman powered past Feliciano Lopez 6-2, 7-6(1) to reach his first Masters final in six years and seal his return to the world top 20.

The world number 29 has only contested one Masters final to date, when he lost to Andy Murray at Madrid 2008, but he is in good form after also reaching the last four in Tokyo last week.

Simon beat Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka and then sixth seed Czech Tomas Berdych in the Shanghai quarter-finals after taking every game in the final set.

On Saturday, the Frenchman picked up where he left off in the quarters, serving up a masterclass in aggressive play early on, before sealing the match in 80 minutes.

"I really played what I had to," Simon said. "I was feeling really good from the baseline. I felt I almost didn't lose one point from the baseline the whole match."

Date: 11th October 2014, Source: AFP

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Federer sets up Djokovic semi-final clash in Shanghai

Roger Federer continues his quest for his first Shanghai Rolex Masters crown after defeating Julien Benneteau 7-6(4), 6-0 on Friday for a spot in the semi-finals.

In his 52nd Masters 1000 semi-final, Federer will face two-time defending champion Novak Djokovic, who defeated ATP World Tour Finals hopeful David Ferrer earlier on Friday to win his 29th straight match on Chinese soil.

Federer, who will overtake Rafael Nadal as World No. 2 in the ATP Rankings on Monday, hit 11 aces and 34 winners in the 69-minute match.

"I thought I played very well against Bautista Agut, but maybe tonight was a bit better,” said Federer. "Especially once I got in the lead, it's nice to have those great 10, 15 minutes where you can stretch it, really. That's what I was able to do. So this probably was my best match so far."

Federer and Djokovic have met on 35 occasions, with the 17-time Grand Slam champion leading their ATP Head2Head series 18-17. Djokovic beat Federer in their last hard-court meeting in March in the final at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Indian Wells.

“Roger is one of the best players ever in the game,” said Djokovic. “There is no clear favourite. I think every time we play against each other, it's a thriller. It's really a big challenge for both of us. We need to bring our ‘A’ game in order to win.”

"I think we always play tough against each other," said Federer about Djokovic. "I think we're both in good shape right now. We both enjoy playing here in Shanghai.

“He's playing a great season again. I'll give it the best shot I have. I think I have a good game at the moment. It is my first tournament back after vacation, so I really hope I can come up with some good shotmaking and solid play because that's what it's going to require against him. There are not that many secrets out there. We've played each other too many times at this point."

Date: 10th October 2014, Source: ATP

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Federer eases past Bautista Agut

Roger Federer struck 33 winners, including eight aces, past Roberto Bautista Agut on Thursday for a place in the Shanghai Rolex Masters quarter-finals.

Having squandered five break point opportunities, Federer finally broke Bautista Agut to 15 in the 10th game to clinch the 42-minute first set. The Swiss lost just five service points.

Federer took a 3-0 lead in the second set en route to his 58th match win of the season, which includes three ATP World Tour titles.

"I think I definitely played better," said Federer, in comparison to his opening win over Leonardo Mayer on Wednesday. "I had a better understanding of how the balls are reacting, the court is playing, and just conditions in general at night.

"I definitely think he let me play a bit more from the baseline, whereas Mayer really took big cuts at the ball which made it really difficult for me to control the back of the court. I think I was just overall striking the ball better. I'm glad I got a straight set win tonight."

Federer will next face Julien Benneteau. The pair has met on seven occasions, with Federer leading their ATP Head2Head series 5-2. Benneteau beat Federer in their last hard-court meeting, 6-3, 7-5, in February 2013 at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament.

"I think he plays well against the better players usually," said Federer. "I've struggled against him in the past, mostly indoors really, then that one time at Wimbledon, which was also played indoors. So it will be interesting to see how he plays here because he has played very consistent, very solid from what I've seen."

Benneteau, who beat World No. 10 Grigor Dimitrov in the Shanghai third round, defeated Jack Sock 6-3, 6-4 in 71 minutes for a quarter-final berth.

Date: 9th October 2014, Source: ATP

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Federer saves 5 match points in Shanghai thriller

Roger Federer saved five match points on Wednesday as he opened his quest for a first Shanghai Rolex Masters title.

The third seed, who finished runner-up to Andy Murray in the 2010 final, beat Leonardo Mayer in a 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(7) second-round victory, which lasted two hours and 42 minutes.

"I think I got unbelievably lucky today," said Federer, who went on to call it his "greatest escape thus far".

It was the second-most match points he has saved in his career. Federer saved seven match points in his 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(10) first-round win over Scott Draper at the 2003 Western & Southern Open.

Federer will play No. 14 seed Roberto Bautista Agut during Thursday’s night session.

Mayer led 3-1, 40/15 in the first set, but Federer dug himself out of trouble. Federer saved one set point when Mayer served at 5-4 and he finally converted his fifth break point opportunity when his Argentine opponent hit a forehand into the net. Federer won four straight games to clinch the 61-minute opener.

Mayer immediately bounced back, breaking Federer in the first game of the second set. He committed just eight unforced errors and won 80 per cent of his first service points to take their first meeting to a decider.

Federer, who began to serve and volley, saved two match points from 4-5, 15/40 in the third set. Mayer will particularly rue missing a short backhand, with Federer at the net, on his first opportunity. Federer saved the second with a big forehand down the line.

Mayer led 5/2 in the tie-break, but could not convert three more match point chances at 6/4 and 7/6. Federer clinched his first match point opportunity with a stunning lob winner.

Mayer is now 1-17 lifetime against members of the Top 10 in the ATP Rankings.

"Could be my greatest escape thus far," Federer said. "I've had some good ones over the years, but this one might just top it all because I was literally out of the point at one stage. I had to come up with some shots that were hard to do anyways. But on match point even more so.

"So I feel a bit sorry for Leonardo, I must say, but that's how it goes. You win some, you lose some.

"Wasn't quite happy with the way I was playing at times," admitted Federer, who was making his first main draw appearance since the US Open. "I was trying to go for an all-time record of missed volleys tonight... The eyes weren't following balls perfectly, I wasn't reading the plays maybe as easily as I was before my vacation.

"But every match I get, every minute I spend more on the court is going to be helpful. I'm happy I get another chance today."

His victory, coupled with Rafael Nadal’s loss earlier in the day, also ensured that Federer would rise to No. 2 in the ATP Rankings next week. Federer, who last held that position on 6 May 2013, will be the first 33-year-old World No. 2 since Andre Agassi on 1 September 2003.

"It's good news," said Federer. "Better moving up than down. Nothing more than that. Clearly I want to move up, play well. Others not playing so well. Clearly Rafa hasn't played for some time; take advantage of that. Plus I didn't win a Slam this year, so it shows even more so how consistent I've actually played and how much I played this year, so I guess I deserve it from that standpoint.

"I'll just keep on playing well… I'm happy I'm playing so much freer this year and so much better."

Federer has an ATP World Tour-best 57-10 match record on the season, which includes three titles at Dubai (d. Berdych), Halle (d. Falla) and the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati (d. Ferrer). He is attempting to lift the 81st trophy of his career this week.

Date: 8th October 2014, Source: ATP

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Federer gearing up for big finish

With just four weeks of the regular season to go, all eyes are on who is going to clinch the remaining five spots at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, and Roger Federer is looking forward to his front row seat as the ATP Race To London unfolds.

After a three-week break, including a family holiday with his wife and two sets of twins, the 33-year-old Swiss is back in action at the Shanghai Rolex Masters and is eager to ignite a big finish to the season. Indeed Federer’s focus is already beginning to shift to the season finale in London and who will be joining him there. Shanghai is set to play a key role in determining final Final Showdown line-up.

“The World Tour Finals is huge for me, a big goal,” said the Basel native on Sunday in Shanghai. “It's what I wanted to qualify for. It's where I've played so well in previous years. It’s always been a very special event for me throughout my career, ever since I qualified here [in Shanghai] in 2002 for the first time, I guess.

“Now you have the younger guys coming through, making a name for themselves. I always knew it was going to be a big year for some of the players, like Raonic and Nishikori and Dimitrov. I think it's going to be interesting to see who is going to qualify now, and also next year, if they can take the next step and get into the top five, top two maybe at one point, because that's clearly a different animal than just getting into the Top 10."

Federer was victorious in Shanghai when it hosted the Tennis Masters Cup in 2006 and 2007. Since it became an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament in 2009, Federer’s best showing has been a runner-up finish in 2010 (l. to Murray). It’s a trophy that Federer is keen to add to his collection of 22 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crowns.

“Of course, the wish is to win the tournament here,” said Federer. “I've never been able to win it other than the Masters Cup here, but never when it was a Masters 1000. That is the goal, no doubt about it. I feel my game is good enough now, but the field is very strong. Tough draws for all the top guys. A lot of guys are fighting to get into the race for the World Tour Finals in London, so there's a lot of pressure on many of the guys.

“I think confidence is a big thing in tennis, and I have it now,” added Federer, who leads the ATP World Tour with 56 match wins this season. “Clearly there's a bit of a reset now, because after Davis Cup I needed a rest. I took a vacation. I practised hard to get back in shape. I have a good chance to do well here in Shanghai now because it's a one off event.”

Seeded third, Federer is due to open his campaign against Leonardo Mayer or Di Wu. He could face London contenders Kei Nishikori or Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-finals.

Date: 6th October 2014, Source: ATP

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Godsick: Federer hoping to meet Tendulkar in India

Tony Godsick, long-time friend and agent of the Swiss superman, pointed out in a telephone interview to Times of India, that Roger Federer closely followed cricket.

"His mom Lynette is South African," Godsick said, adding, "Roger was exposed to cricket when he was young, thanks to his coach Peter Carter, who was Aussie, and then Tony Roche. On Tour when I walk into his room, I often find him engrossed in a game of cricket."

The American super agent, who nudged the legend into signing the deal with Mahesh Bhupathi's International Premier Tennis League that will bring the 33-year-old to India in December, said Federer, who is known to make friendships across sports, is keen on meeting up with Sachin Tendulkar during his three-day visit.

"Roger won't be travelling much in India this time. He will not be visiting with his family, but he will want to take in as much as he can," Godsick said, adding the trip had come bang in the middle of the 17-time Grand Slam champion's pre-2015 training period. "He would definitely like to meet Sachin again. They've had tea with on a couple of occasions at Wimbledon."

From the moment Indian doubles ace Bhupathi made the call to Godsick, during the US Open in New York in late August, it took no more than a week for the Indian to wrap up the deal with Federer which in the world of business is a nanosecond.

"I reminded Roger that it was his dream to play in India when he was still competitive as a large portion of his fan base is Indian. He has always felt that his fans in India deserved to see him play at his best," said Godsick, who will also make the December trip to India.

Federer, father of four, who has picked up his play again this year, will turn out for Indian Aces, the lone Indian outfit in Bhupathi's pan-Asian, inter-city league.

The Swiss world number three will have American legend Pete Sampras, Frenchman Gael Monfils, Serb Ana Ivanovic and Indians Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza as teammates. Federer is slated to blitz the capital between December 6 and 8.

Date: 1st October 2014, Source: Times of India

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