Federer has failed to reach the semifinals only once in his previous 16 appearances, in 2008, but have to beat Novak Djokovic in his final group match on Thursday to advance.
“It’s unusual to lose and then come back to play again, but I did it last year, so I have some experience,” Federer joked. “I’m very happy with how I played today. Matteo was always going to be difficult with his big serve. I was pretty clean in my own service games and I think that helped today. I hope I can keep it up and maybe even play a bit better in the next match.”
The 38-year-old Federer improved to 2-0 against Berrettini in their ATP Head to Head, including a straight-sets victory this year at Wimbledon. The Swiss has more match wins (58) and titles (6) than any player in ATP Finals history. Federer is 17-0 lifetime in his second round-robin match at this event.
“There's no reason to be too down after losing the first match. We came here to play three matches and give it all we have. It was the big goal of the season to qualify here, which we did,” Federer said. “I had a day off and there’s plenty of ways to get rid of that loss. Hanging out with my kids will do that for me. I was ready and prepared today. That’s what matters the most right now.”
Federer earned the lone break point of the first set at 6-5, but Berrettini erased it with a forehand winner. The Swiss drew first blood in the tie-break and earned a 2/1 mini-break advantage after Berrettini overcooked a forehand. Federer raced through the final three points of the set to grab the early lead after 42 minutes. The six-time champion is 21-7 in tie-breaks this season.
He continued to ride the momentum and broke the Italian to love in the opening game of the second set. Berrettini had a chance to level the match with Federer serving 4-3, but couldn't convert three break points. A slice forehand from Berrettini found the net in the next game and wrapped up play after 78 minutes.
Date: 13 November 2019, Source: AP and AFP
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