Federer to have Swiss coin minted in his honour

Tennis great Roger Federer is to become the first living Swiss to have a coin minted in their honour, with a commemorative 20 franc silver piece bearing his image being issued in January 2020. In addition to that, it plans to release a second coin with a different design - the “Roger Federer” 50-franc gold coinin May 2020.

The 38-year-old 20-time Grand Slam champion is regarded by many as the greatest tennis player ever and is a national hero in Switzerland.

Swissmint confirmed that 55,000 of the coins, featuring Federer delivering a backhand, will be produced and will be available for pre-order from Tuesday until December 19 at http://www.swissmintshop.ch/

"Roger Federer's sporting achievements, his charitable commitments, his easy-going nature and his accessibility to his fans have prompted Swissmint to dedicate this 20-franc silver coin to him - the first time it has done so with a living person," a Swissmint spokesperson told Reuters.

In a statement, the government declared that Roger Federer is the best-known Swiss person both on and off the court. In addition to his countless tennis records, including the most Grand Slam men’s singles titles, he also runs a charitable foundation for children in southern Africa and was the first Swiss UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

According to Swissmint, Federer is "the perfect ambassador for Switzerland. He has a unique way of embodying likability, down-to-earthness, success and eloquence".

With demand expected to be high, Swissmint said another 40,000 coins could be issued in May.

"Thank you Switzerland and Swissmint for this incredible honour and privilege," Federer wrote on Twitter.

Date: 2 December 2019

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Federer braced for another next-gen challenge in 2020

After dominating the tennis world for so long, Roger Federer thinks the sport’s Big Three could face their toughest challenge yet from a new generation in 2020.

Federer’s 2019 season ended with a semifinal loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday at the ATP Finals, having seen Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal eliminated in the group stage of the tournament this week.

Tsitsipas, a 21-year-old Greek who is playing at the ATP Finals for the first time, is among a handful of up-and-coming talents looking to finally end the unprecedented era of dominance by that trio. Other youngsters at the season-ending tournament include defending champion Alexander Zverev at 22 and U.S. Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev at 23.

However, it’s not the first time that the 38-year-old Federer has faced talk about a talented crop of youngsters, even though none of them have so far been able to break the Big Three’s iron grip on the sport.

"It’s the same question every year at the end of the year," Federer said about the new generation. "But does it feel like this year might be the best year yet? Possibly. But then I look at the list of who finished World No. 1, who has been World No. 1 all these years, and it’s just crazy that it’s always one of us. But we are not getting any younger. So chances increase not because we are getting worse but because they are getting better."

Nadal clinched his fifth year-end No. 1 title this week, putting him level with both Federer and Djokovic. Since 2004, the only other person to finish the year atop the rankings was Andy Murray in 2016.

In addition, the Big Three have won the last 12 Grand Slam titles between them. And until one of the youngsters ends that streak, any talk of a generation shift is premature.

"Definitely it’s that next step they need," Federer said. "The only issue is that it seems like me, Novak, and Rafa are healthy, healthier than maybe in previous years, as well."

Zverev, for his part, is convinced that the new guard is ready to compete for majors.

"I think next year will bring a new Grand Slam champion. We’ll see who that will be, because I think the young guys are playing incredible tennis," Zverev said after losing to Dominic Thiem in the second semifinal at the O2 Arena. "You know, it can be Daniil, it can be Stefanos, it can be Dominic. I’m in the mix, as well, I hope. We’ll see what next year brings. But I think for the young guys, it’s going to be an exciting year."

The third-ranked Federer ends the year with four ATP titles, but failed to add to his record haul of 20 Grand Slams when he lost an epic Wimbledon final to Djokovic, despite holding two match points in the fifth set.

He also fell short of a record-extending seventh ATP Finals title after converting just one of 12 break points against Tsitsipas, losing 6-3, 6-4.

As long as he stays healthy, though, Federer is confident he’s still good enough to compete for more majors next season.

"I’ve got to keep on playing at the level like I have this year, and then I will create some chances," he said. "Then when the matches come, it’s not maybe as easy as it was maybe 10, 15 years ago where you’re just going to play very good, day in, day out. Opportunities were there today. They were there in other moments as well this season, maybe Indian Wells or Wimbledon or whatever. That can change an entire season around, the confidence around, the flow of things. But I’m happy how I played this season, and I’m extremely excited for next season."

Date: 18 November 2019, Source: AP

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Federer: "I'm extremely excited for next season"

Roger Federer admits to having his chances against Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday at the ATP Finals in London. The six-time champion went one for 12 on break points against the Greek in what must have felt like a sequel to their Australian Open quarter-final in January, when the Swiss didn't convert any of his 12 break points. Federer went down 6-3, 6-4 to Tsitsipas.

“No doubt I had my chances,” Federer said. “I had some good spells, but the spells where things were not working well, they were pretty bad. At this level, you just can't have it happen, so that was pretty disappointing today.”

But don't expect the 38-year-old Swiss, who will finish year-end No. 3 in the ATP Rankings, to mull over his semi-final loss for too long.

Federer can feel proud of finishing inside the Top 3 of the year-end ATP Rankings for the 15^th time, his four ATP Tour titles, including his 100^th in Dubai, and his 16^th semi-final at the season finale at The O2.

“I've got to keep on playing at the level like I have this year, and then I will create some chances. I thought I played some consistent, solid tennis. Got to take care of my body, listen to the signs, work well with the team, get the balance right with everything that's happening in my life,” Federer said about his hopes for 2020.

“But I'm happy how I played this season, and I'm extremely excited for next season.”

The Swiss beat Tsitsipas for the Dubai title, won his 28^th ATP Masters 1000 in Miami (d. Isner) and won his 10^th title in both Halle (d. Goffin) and Basel (d. De Minaur), his hometown tournament.

Federer fell short of winning Big Titles at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells (l. Thiem) and at Wimbledon (l. to Djokovic). He'll look to shore up his performances in those big matches next year during his 23^rd season on Tour.

“When the matches come, it's not maybe as easy as it was maybe 10, 15 years ago, where you're just going to play very good day in, day out. Maybe you need to do extra effort sometimes for that to happen. Maybe that's what it felt like today, just things were complicated. But I've got to maybe do even a better job at figuring these moments out, because the opportunities were there today, for instance. They were there in other moments as well this season, maybe Indian Wells or Wimbledon,” said Federer, who had two match points against Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.

“That can change an entire season around, the confidence around, the flow of things.”

Federer, who is 2-2 against Tsitsipas in their ATP Head to Head series, was complimentary of the 21-year-old.

“I thought that he played really well. He took the ball early. I know he does that. I thought I returned actually pretty good on the first serve. For the most part I wasn't quite getting into the rallies the way I wanted to,” Federer said. “I think I have to credit him for pushing me to not play at the level I was hoping to today.”

About Tsitsipas' one-handed backhand, which the Greek hit effectively down the line, Federer added, “He can loop it and come down on it, and that's why also I believe he's good on faster courts and on slower courts. It's going to be very beneficial for his career. Obviously it's his footwork that's always on the aggressive side. Any short ball will be attacked, and I think he does that very, very well. He's one of the best at that in the game.”

Federer, however, minutes after the loss, was already prepared to move on and think about future opportunities.

“It's the year-end. It's over now, and I can't make it better. I tried everything I could, to be honest. I tried to chip it eventually, tried to stay back and hit some. I tried to come forward. And for the most part I actually tried to play up in the court and tried to play aggressive. But, of course, with his aggression, it's not always easy because he always takes the ball very early himself too,” Federer said.

“I knew he was going to be incredibly athletic. He was just a little bit better today at all those little things.”

Date: 17 November 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer outclasses Djokovic at ATP Finals

Roger Federer played scintillating tennis to defeat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 on Thursday evening, earning a spot in the semi-finals of the ATP Finals. That victory made the Swiss star the second-placed player in Group Bjorn Borg. On Saturday, the 38-year-old will face the winner of Group Andre Agassi, which will be determined on Friday.

“Great atmosphere, a great opponent here in London at The O2, definitely incredibly special. Just a night I enjoyed from the beginning. I played incredible, and I knew I had to because that’s what Novak does and I was able to produce. So it was definitely magical,” Federer said.

The third-seeded Federer, making his 17^th appearance, reached his 16^th semi-final at the season-ending ATP Finals and ended Djokovic's season, along with his hopes of finishing year-end No. 1 in the ATP Rankings for a record-tying sixth time.

Djokovic needed to win the title to have a chance at knocking Rafael Nadal off the top spot, but now Nadal is guaranteed his fifth year-end No. 1 finish, evening him with Federer, Djokovic and American Jimmy Connors.

Federer barely made a mistake against Djokovic, attacking the Serbian and serving flawlessly. He finished with 23 winners to only five unforced errors.

In the first set, Federer won 87 per cent (20/23) of his service points and made only one unforced error to start their 49^th ATP Head to Head meeting. Djokovic had won their last meeting, saving two match points in the Wimbledon final, but the Serbian threw in a loose service game at 1-1. The World No. 2 donated two double faults to start, and on break point, 0/40, Federer walloped a sitting backhand.

“He was the better player in all aspects and absolutely deserved to win,” Djokovic said. “He served great, moved well, returned my serve very well. He did everything right.

“I have the utmost admiration for him and everything he's doing on the court. What he has achieved over the years and what he's still showing on the court is phenomenal. He's a role model, even for me, and one of the toughest opponents I’ve had in my career. Looking at his career and what he's still doing just inspires you.”

Djokovic, who led their head-to-head series 26-22, responded in the second set, saving two break points in the opening game to rip back momentum. The Serbian then saw his first break chance of the match in the fourth game, but couldn't convert and ran into more trouble on his serve at 2-2.

Djokovic, hearing chants of “Let's go, Roger, let's go!”, fell behind 15/40 and sailed a forehand long to give Federer the second break of the match. The Swiss, who lost the Wimbledon match points on his racquet, broke once more to close it out.

“There was a lot riding on the match. I think I served great, had great anticipation, a clear game plan and it worked to perfection tonight, and hopefully not the last time against Novak,” Federer said. “But even if it didn’t, it was all worth it. It was a great performance tonight from me.”

Federer improved to 53-9 on the season and earned his record-extending 59^th ATP Finals win. The Swiss will now go for a record-extending seventh title this weekend.

“I have been playing very well this season, and I think this victory proves that today,” Federer said.

“I felt from the get-go I had good rhythm off the baseline and on the serve and that I felt like he was living dangerously if he was not going to play great tennis. That was a good feeling to have, but then again, that doesn't mean much because Novak has done an unbelievable job in his career to find ways to either make you play bad or to just be better on you on the day or squeeze another victory out like the way he did at Wimbledon.

“I knew the beginning wasn't key, but I knew it was important. I had a great run on the serve, as well, throughout I think that first set. I was able to keep the pressure going and mix up my game. Because he was playing incredibly aggressive at one point midway through the first set, which surprised me a little bit.

“Things just worked very well for me. Tonight was one of those nights where I was clear in the game plan. I got what I kind of expected, and it was a great feeling at the very end. The reaction showed.”

Date: 15 November 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer beats Berrettini for first win at ATP Finals

Roger Federer got back on track at the ATP Finals, beating Matteo Berrettini 7-6 (2), 6-3 on Tuesday for his first victory of the round-robin stage. Federer lost his opening match to Dominic Thiem on Sunday but the six-time champion looked sharper against Berrettini, never dropping his serve and hitting 24 winners.

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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Federer faces early ATP Finals exit after Thiem defeat

Roger Federer said he had no more margin for error if he wanted to avoid an early exit at the ATP Finals after losing his opening group match to Dominic Thiem on Sunday.

The 38-year-old Swiss, bidding for his seventh title at the event but his first since 2011, struggled to handle Thiem's aggressive game as he went down 7-5, 7-5.

Only once in 16 previous appearances has Federer failed to survive the group phase, in 2008, and to avoid a repeat he will have to beat Italian Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday and Novak Djokovic on Thursday.

Thiem put constant pressure on Federer and broke at 5-5 in each set to claim his third win over the Swiss this year.

“It's a normal tournament from here on forward. I’m not allowed to lose anymore,” Federer said. “That's how it is every week of the year for the past 20 years, so from that standpoint, there is nothing new.”

The warning signs were there in Federer's opening service game which he dropped and although he hit back impressively he faltered at 5-5 when Thiem hurried him into errors.

Federer had the majority of support in the packed arena but, try as he might, he could not find his A game in the second set as Thiem again dominated the baseline rallies.

Thiem, who has flourished this year since hiring coach Nicolas Massu after a slow start to the season, broke again at 5-5 and although Federer fought hard and had a point to take the set into a tiebreak he was unable to turn things around.

But Federer still finished the night with more winners (24) than unforced errors (22) and only won five fewer points than Thiem (72 to 77). His level on Centre Court required a world-class performance to beat him and he praised the Austrian for delivering it.

“I thought he played well. The start definitely didn't help. That put me on the back foot,” Federer said. “But I recovered well and I thought the match was pretty even for a long period of time. I felt that I had my chances. Didn’t feel like I was outplayed or anything. Just maybe those first-match hiccups, not hitting your spots on the serve when you need to, getting into trouble early in the service games, which maybe doesn't happen later on in the tournament.”

Although Federer’s form dipped at times, the crowd support for him never wavered. The British public has adopted the Swiss as one of their own after the memorable moments he’s provided in London throughout his 21-year ATP Tour career, including two titles at The O2 (2010-2011). Despite the loss to Thiem, he remained optimistic that their energy can help propel him to a seventh title at this event.

“I thought the atmosphere was great. I wish I could have given them a bit more something to celebrate tonight,” Federer said. ”I felt like the fans were waiting and they were ready to go. Maybe getting that break in the second set would have done exactly that, but it's a wonderful event here. I'm happy I’ve played here so many times so I could enjoy the crowds. I'm looking forward to the next two matches.”

Federer will shift his focus to his next match on Tuesday against Matteo Berrettini, who also lost his opening match to Novak Djokovic. He dropped just five games against the Italian in their lone ATP Head to Head meeting this year at Wimbledon, but said that anyone who qualifies for the season-ending championships can’t be underestimated.

“With his serve, with what he can do, obviously any opponent is dangerous here,” Federer said. “I've got to recover. I've got to make sure I play better than today and hopefully I can win that match.”

Date: 11 November 2019, Source: Reuters and ATP

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Federer pursuing his 7th title at ATP Finals

Roger Federer has won more ATP Finals than anyone in the tournament’s history, with six. And as he gets set to compete in the season finale for the 17th time, the Swiss naturally has high expectations, considering the last and only time he failed to advance through the group stage was in 2008. But the 38-year-old arrives at The O2 understanding that there are seven other elite players in the field who want to lift the trophy at the end of the week just as much as he does.

“Of course it would be nice. I’m not the only guy who has that hope and that dream. So we’ll see how it goes,” Federer said of his hopes of triumphing. “But I think indoors, it’s more of a nostalgic thing for me as well. That’s where I had my first success on the Tour. When I came onto the Tour this is where I made my first points on the satellite-level, challenger-level and tour-level. That’s how I got up the Rankings, it was through the indoors. And so I always feel comfortable regardless of what indoor court I go to.”

Federer owns the most wins and the best winning percentage in indoors of all the players competing in this year’s ATP Finals. And his 57-15 record at this tournament speaks for itself.

“It feels like I come home in some ways when I play indoors, so it’s the same thing here,” Federer said. “So far I’ve felt great, the court plays nice and I’m sure we’ll see some great tennis.”

When the groups were announced earlier this week, Federer landed in Group Bjorn Borg, in which five-time champion Novak Djokovic will also be competing. The last time the two legends played one another, Djokovic saved two championship points to defeat Federer for the Wimbledon title.

“Wimbledon was epic,” Federer said. “That was a special match for both of us. Maybe a bit more for him than for me, but that’s okay. I moved on a long time ago. When we match up I think our games really match up nicely. It’s great for the crowd, super-athletic. We have different playing styles. It’s pretty quick here I feel, the court. So it will be interesting. Indoors you focus more maybe on your serve and all that stuff rather than what your opponent does, but it should be exciting. I’m excited to play against Novak again here.”

Second among active players behind Federer in indoor victories and winning percentage is Djokovic, who leads their ATP Head to Head series 26-22. The second seed has won three of five ATP Finals clashes against Federer, with each of those battles coming in London. A reporter asked Federer if he feels the indoor conditions will give him the edge against the Serbian.

“I hope so, I don’t know,” Federer said. “He’s been playing indoors okay, too. So it’s not like his record is nonexistent or is like so much worse than mine. I don’t even know if it’s worse than mine or mine is better. But honestly I’m very excited to play against Novak again here. I’m happy to be in his group.”

Also in Group Bjorn Borg are Dominic Thiem. Thiem is competing at the season finale for the fourth straight year, but Berrettini is making his debut. Last year when the world’s best were battling in London, the Italian was outside the Top 50. Now he is among the sport’s best, as are fellow debutants Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who are in Group Andre Agassi.

“What I like about the young guys like Matteo here qualifying for the first time, it goes away from just saying, ‘Oh, we have some talented players on the Tour.’ There’s a difference between that and already being somewhat of a national hero in your country already and being a Top 10 player in the world in tennis, which is not easy to achieve,” Federer said.

“So I think that’s great that they’re part of the Finals. It’s going to give them great experience as well moving forward to then achieve great things at Slam level, Masters 1000s, being surrounded with the eight, having the pressure to play against fellow Top 10 players from the get-go here. It’s something that will only help your career. Sascha’s win last year was definitely also a bit of a catalyst for the rest of the group that qualified this year.”

But Federer will hope that this year, they don’t break through, and that he is the one lifting his seventh ATP Finals trophy at the end of the week.

Date: 8 November 2019, Source: ATP

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Why Pizza & Tears remain a constant for Federer in Basel

Roger Federer won his 103rd tour-level title on Sunday at the Swiss Indoors Basel. But for the 38-year-old, lifting trophies never gets old.

Tears filled the 10-time Basel champion's eyes as he spoke to the crowd during the trophy ceremony.

“You saw it hit me again hard winning here in Basel. I don’t take these tournament victories as a normal thing. I take them as something quite unique and special, even though it’s been a lot by now,” Federer said. “Every one has a different flavour and I try to enjoy them as much as I can in the moment.”

It’s especially emotional for Federer at home. His two years spent as a ball boy in Basel more than two decades ago have been well-documented, and the Swiss awards all the ball boys and ball girls medals and orders them pizza to celebrate their efforts. So even though it was the 10th time Federer has triumphed here, the tears were no surprise.

“I think it might be partially reminiscing back at everything that went on this week. Definitely the family, the thought of the team aspect, the family aspect, everything that goes into me still being able to do it today. People think I just go out there and just do it and have these types of weeks or these types of matches at will,” Federer said. “But there’s so much more that goes into it, let alone managing four children, which is a challenge, but a good one.

“Obviously when I stand there and look back at everything that I had to go through, it really touches me. Along with just the music and the thought of all the ball kids running in already gets me going.”

Federer has lifted plenty of trophies from the moment he picked up a tennis racquet as a kid. But that boy who once dreamt of being "one of the big guys" is now just six titles from Jimmy Connors' all-time mark of 109 tour-level titles.

“Back in the day when you lifted a trophy as a junior you’re like, ‘Ahh, let’s just pretend to be one of the big guys.’ But you clearly know you’re not. Now when you’re able to do it in a stadium with people chanting your name or celebrating you or your tennis, it’s a wonderful feeling,” Federer said. “There you probably have a couple of parents around and one photographer who happened to be there at the time. So clearly things have changed. Luckily there were some photographers at the time, because it was more of a luxury to have a camera at the time. It’s been an incredible journey. It’s definitely very different today.”

This is the second tournament at which Federer has won 10 titles, having accomplished the feat in Halle earlier this year. So even though his championship victory against Alex de Minaur was fairly straightforward, resulting in a 6-2, 6-2 scoreline, that didn’t make the moment he clinched the title any less special.

“You don’t get a chance to win 10 titles at the same event many times in your career ever, so I couldn’t be more happy that it also happened here in Basel, in Halle also,” Federer said. “It’s been a great week, a wonderful time. The fans were unreal again, like so many other years. I played great tennis and was able to pull it all the way through until the very end.”

Federer did not drop a set en route to his fourth title of the season. He dropped just 18 games in four matches.

“I started off very strong and very well this week. I was able to really keep a very solid level and sometimes even a fantastic level,” Federer said. “It was never really in doubt. If only it was always like that, but it’s not. So I take this week as a good one for sure.”

Date: 28 October 2019, Source: ATP

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Roger Federer wins 10th Basel title

Roger Federer won his 10th Swiss Indoors Basel title on Sunday, smothering young Australian Alex De Minaur 6-2, 6-2 to secure what the Swiss legend described as "an unbelievable" success at the home-town tournament where he used to work as a ballboy.

Federer, playing in front of a fervent home crowd, played attacking tennis against the speedy 20-year-old, who was going for his fourth title of the season (3-1). The 38-year-old broke four times, mixing up the pace and keeping De Minaur on the move from the back of the court.

"It was fast but very nice. I think I played a great match. It was a tough opener, in the beginning, the first five games, we had some great rallies. I never looked back," Federer said. "I was great on the offence, made very few unforced errors and came up with the big shots and served well when I had to.

"I thought Alex played a great tournament as well, and I think we both can be very happy. But what a moment for me to win my 10th here in my hometown of Basel."

Federer had to control his emotions as he drew a loud and heartfelt standing ovation from his home public during the presentation for his 103rd career trophy.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion said it was as a ballboy at the St. Jakobshalle more than two decades ago that he got his first taste of tennis.

"Being a ballboy really inspired me," he said. "But I cannot believe that I've won here 10 times. I never even thought that I would win it once, this has been an unbelievable week for me."

With his wife, children and parents watching, Federer was presented with a metal sculpture depicting a life-sized hand ready to toss a tennis ball in honour of his landmark title.

Federer defeated the 28th-ranked De Minaur in their first meeting.

"Alex has had a great year," Federer said. "It's not easy to win tournaments and he's done it three times already this year. There is more to come for you. As for me, I hope to be back here next year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this event."

De Minaur joked that he had his own slender hopes prior to the start.

"I was hoping Roger might just get sick of winning, but that didn't happen. He was too good again, it's amazing. It was a dream to play him here in Basel. It's been a great season for me, I'll just keep pushing for bigger and better things."

The Swiss now can count Basel alongside the Noventi Open in Halle as his most successful tournaments by titles won. Federer has won his home ATP 500 during his past five appearances. He improved to 75-9 at the tournament and has won 24 consecutive matches on centre court.

"I couldn't be more happy," Federer said. "What a great tournament it's been for me, always, but particularly the last few times I've been here."

Federer won his fourth title of the season, tied for second best on the Tour, and the 103^rd of his career (103-54).

Now, he is just six short of the record 109 ATP trophies held by American Jimmy Connors.

Federer is due to play next week at the Paris Masters, the final event of the regular season before the November 10 start of the ATP Finals in London.

Date: 27 October 2019, Source: AFP and ATP

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Federer defeats Tsitsipas in Basel

Roger Federer delighted his hometown fans by cruising past Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4 in the Swiss Indoors Basel semifinals on Saturday.

“It was nice to come out strong. It was a really intense 35 or 40 minutes to start. I had a good middle section which gave me the first set and the lead in the second set, and never looked back,” Federer said. “It’s hard to believe that I’m in another Basel final. It’s super exciting.”

Federer added to his staggering numbers in Basel by reaching his 13th consecutive final and 15th overall. He moved to 74-9 at this event and has won his past 23 matches on centre court. The 38-year-old is through to his sixth ATP Tour final of the season, second only to Daniil Medvedev (9), and picked up his 50th tour-level win of the year.

“Even if I’m up a set and a break, the crowd are not just there when I’m down in the score and feel like I need it,” Federer said. “They enjoy when I’m playing good tennis and it pushes me to play even better, keep on trying every point and try to make something happen. That’s what you do with a home court advantage.”

Seeking a 10th career title in Basel, the 38-year-old Federer will play 20-year-old Alex de Minaur in Sunday’s final. The Swiss is competing in his 157th ATP Tour final (102-54), compared to six for De Minaur (3-2).

Federer was 0-12 on break points during his loss to Tsitsipas at this year's Australian Open and couldn't convert his first five in their latest clash. But with Tsitsipas serving at 2-2 in the first set, Federer let out a roar of approval after getting over the line with a strong forehand approach.

The Swiss looked to move forward whenever possible and was nearly flawless when he did, winning 9 of 10 net points in the opening set. Serving for the set at 5-4, he fired three aces and a delicate drop volley winner to grab the early advantage.

Tsitsipas was left to ruminate over hitting more winners than unforced errors (11 to 9), yet still coming up short. The Greek felt the pressure in the second set, hitting a double fault and a pair of wild baseline errors in the opening game to give Federer two break points. The top seed converted on his second with a forehand winner and jogged to his chair.

Federer's outstanding serving led to little resistance from Tsitsipas, with the Swiss dropping just eight points in his first nine service games. The third seed earned his first break point with Federer serving for the match at 5-4, but played it tentatively and pushed a forehand long. Two points later, a swinging forehand volley winner closed out play after 79 minutes. Federer finished the day with 28 winners to 11 unforced errors.

Date: 26 October 2019, Source: AP and ATP

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Federer into 17th Basel quarter-final

Roger Federer crushed Radu Albot 6-0, 6-3 on Wednesday to win his 22nd match in a row at the Swiss Indoors and earn a quarter-final place at his home event for the 17th time.

“I’m extremely happy because I really struggled against him in Miami and he definitely got my attention there. I was basically a point away from losing,” Federer said. “It was important for me to show a reaction to that match and come out with a proper game plan. I think I learned a lot from that match.

“I really respect Radu. He tries everything to win in a really tough, great and fair way. I’m very happy with the way I played. I had an answer for everything he threw at me today and that’s great.”

Federer improved to 73-9 in Basel. The 38-year-old has dropped a mere five games in his first two rounds, competing in his 1,500th tour-level match as he defeated German Peter Gojowczyk on Monday.

“Maybe I was feeling some pressure in my first appearances and it was, in some ways, the hardest to play in front of friends and family in Basel, but not in the past 17 years,” Federer said. “I’ve really enjoyed every moment and always tried to understand how I should take advantage of playing at home.”

In Miami, Albot pushed Federer to the edge in a three-set tussle. Armed with the knowledge of how dangerous the Moldovan can be, Federer brought his best tennis from the first point. The Swiss dominated the baseline rallies throughout the opening set, firing 13 winners as he sprinted to an early advantage after 22 minutes.

Albot did his best to keep his spirits up and the crowd entertained in spite of the one-sided scoreline. He cracked a sarcastically bemused smile after a rare Federer error at 0-2 in the second set, then bowed to the crowd after holding serve in that game to get on the board.

But while the Moldovan won a moral victory by avoiding a double bagel, he wasn’t able to win much else on the night as Federer continued his vintage form. A strong backhand from the Swiss wrapped up play after 62 minutes. Federer finished the night with 32 winners to just 21 unforced errors, in addition to taking 75 per cent of his service points (30/40).

Awaiting Federer in the next round is seventh-seeded Swiss Stan Wawrinka or American Frances Tiafoe, who both won their respective first-round matches on Wednesday. Federer leads Tiafoe 3-0 in their ATP Head to Head series, including a win in Basel two years ago. He also holds a 23-3 advantage over Wawrinka in their ATP Head to Head rivalry and has prevailed in their past seven matches. Federer won their lone Basel clash in the 2011 semi-finals.

“I think the fans would love a match against Stan because he’s struggled at this tournament for some reason, but it’s great to see him back healthy,” Federer said. “We’ve always had some tough matches, even on hard courts. Hopefully this match happens for the fans.”

The six games Federer has dropped so far this week is the fewest he's lost in his opening two matches in Basel since 2006.

Date: 24 October 2019, Source: ATP and AFP

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Federer starts his bid for 10th Basel title

Roger Federer started his European indoor season with more dominance in his hometown of Basel on Monday evening. The 38-year-old Swiss won his 21^st consecutive match at the Swiss Indoors Basel, sprinting past German Peter Gojowczyk 6-2, 6-1 in only 53 minutes.

“I thought the match was good. I felt like I had a good spring in my step and was quick onto the ball. Didn’t take me long to get used to the conditions. That was positive,” Federer said. “I knew of the danger playing Peter, especially indoors. He had a great couple of qualifying matches, so I knew he’d be tough, especially because he beat Karlovic easy, who serves great.”

Federer, who was playing in his 1,500^th tour-level match, broke five times and, despite giving back one of those breaks in the second set, cruised in the quick indoor conditions to improve to 72-9 at the ATP 500 event. He finished with 34 winners to only 18 unforced errors.

The World No. 3 is going for his 10^th Basel title and 103^rd overall. Federer has won only one tournament 10 times, the Noventi Open in Halle.

The Swiss has already qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals for a record-extending 17^th time. He will next meet Moldovan Radu Albot or Dusan Lajovic of Serbia.

Federer, who has made the Basel final on all of his last 12 visits, owns ATP titles this season in Dubai, Miami and Halle.

Date: 21 October 2019, Source: ATP

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In a career of landmarks, Federer set for 1500th match

Roger Federer will check off another landmark on Monday when he starts his bid for a 10th Basel title by playing the 1,500th match of his career.

The 38-year-old begins his bid for his 103rd title against German qualifier Peter Gojowczyk.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has beaten the German twice - including at Indian Wells last March.

"My preparation had to be a little faster than usual since I have to start Monday," said Federer ahead of the Swiss Indoors tournament, which he first attended as a ballboy.

"I've already practiced Friday and Saturday in Basel. I hope to really start strong and have a great indoor season."

Federer, who has made the Basel final on all of his last 12 visits, won three ATP titles this season in Dubai, Miami and Halle.

Despite not adding to his tally of majors, he still stands at 47-8 for the year, a record bettered only by eternal rival Rafael Nadal, whose triumphs at Roland Garros and the US Open have taken the Spaniard to 19 Grand Slams.

Federer made the final at Wimbledon in July where he had two match points before losing to Novak Djokovic in a five-set epic.

He revealed on Sunday that his philosophy about those losses has become "forget them and move on".

However, he added: "I try to keep the highest possible level always. Sometimes it's the opponent, sometimes it's your own mind or game that goes off the boil.

"And, of course, you work with the right work ethic in practice, with the right concentration and everything.

"Only a few matches this season stand out to me that maybe I could have won that I didn't.

"If I look back at my whole career I've had a lot of matches that I could have won that I lost. But also I won much more than I should have or could have."

After Basel, Federer is likely to make his usual last-minute decision on whether to carry on for the Paris Masters, the concluding Masters 1000 event of the season which starts a week on Monday.

He has already qualified for the ATP Finals in London from November 10 in what will be his 17th appearance at the season finale.

"It's been a solid season. It started well for me. I hope to pick it up for the year-end," he added.

Meanwhile, Federer briefly paused his preparation for Basel to send best wishes to newly-married rival Nadal.

Explaining that he was not part of the festivities, the father of four said: "I was not invited by Rafa, but I had not expected to be.

"I congratulated him and hope he had the best day of his life."

Nadal and longtime girlfriend Xisca Perello were married on Saturday on their home island of Mallorca.

Date: 20 October 2019, Source: AFP

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Federer to play 2020 French Open

Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer said Thursday he will play the French Open in Paris next year.

"I will play the French Open. I probably won't play much before that because I need some time away from tennis and I need some time with the family," the 38-year-old told CNN.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion returned to Roland Garros this year after a three year absence, falling to Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.

Federer confirmed he will compete at next year's Tokyo Olympics after Wimbledon and prior to the US Open.

But his priority before the French Open which he has won in 2009 will be a family vacation.

"We need a vacation, we need a break, and especially if I am playing the Olympics and all that. So I'll probably play the French, Halle, Wimbledon, the Olympics, maybe Cincinnati and then the US Open," he said.

In Tokyo he will be in competition for a men's singles gold medal, the only major prize he has yet to win.

Earlier this week he said he had been debating with his team on his programme after Wimbledon and before the US Open.

"At the end of the day my heart decided to play the Olympic Games again," he said.

Federer has won all four of the Grand Slam tournaments, as well as the ATP Tour Finals six times, but is still waiting to grab Olympic singles gold.

He did win a doubles gold alongside fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka at Beijing in 2008, but when he got to the London singles final in 2012 he lost to Andy Murray.

Federer did not compete at Rio 2016 because of knee injury, where Murray won again, but has since twice won the Australian Open and the 2017 Wimbledon title.

Date: 18 October 2019

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Federer to play 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Roger Federer will go for gold in 2020. The Swiss star confirmed on Monday that he will compete for Switzerland at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The 38-year-old stated “If I am healthy, I am coming” when making the announcement in Tokyo, Japan after playing an exhibition match against John Isner.

“At the end of the day my heart decided to play the Olympic Games again.

“I've been debating with my team for a few weeks now, months actually, what I should do in the summer time (of 2020) after Wimbledon and before the US Open.

“I carried the flag twice for Switzerland in Athens and Beijing, I’ve got a gold and a silver, and I would love to play again so I’m very excited,” Federer said.

Federer has played at four Olympics, winning the doubles gold medal with Stan Wawrinka at Beijing 2008 and taking silver in singles at London 2012 (l. to Murray). The 20-time major champion missed 2016 Rio because of knee injury.

Federer added: “I checked with the team if it was okay for me to announce it here, while I am actually in the city where the Olympics will take place. I just figured it was an organic place to do that. So I am very happy to announce it.

“Every Olympic games has been very, very special to me.”

Date: 15 October 2019

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Federer lose in Shanghai quarterfinals

Roger Federer went from perfectly unbeatable to unbelievably beaten in the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters. He had been 5-0 in quarterfinal matches at the Shanghai Masters, and won two titles, but lost Friday.

Federer saved five match points in the second set in the 6-3, 6-7 (7), 6-3 loss to fifth-seeded Alexander Zverev. The 22-year-old Zverev now leads Federer 4-3 in career meetings.

“I mean, they're knocking on the door big time, the young guys,” Federer said. “It's exciting. They're great. It's really open now, I think, for the finish of this tournament.”

Zverev will next play Matteo Berrettini, an 11th-seeded Italian who defeated fourth-seeded Dominic Thiem 7-6 (8), 6-4.

“I told him at the net that he showed great character, that he was strong. I thought he didn't show any frustrations or too much negativity,” Federer said. “I didn't see him very often being extremely frustrated except the one time when he hit three let cords in a row, the last game I think it was.

“That was impressive, because he has tendencies to get a bit down on himself. Especially this season, he hasn't been playing maybe so well, so that impressed me the most. If I can get one per cent of that, I'm happy, too.”

Zverev had three consecutive match points on his serve at 6-5, 40/0 in the second set and two more in the ensuing tie-break, but Federer saved them all. Zverev, however, quickly rebounded, breaking Federer and jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the deciding set.

“It was a crazy end to the second set, no doubt about it. I think it was 6-5, 40-Love. At that point you're halfway home anyway, but I defended well, attacked well, hit some great shots, came back and then also the tie-break was tough the whole time,” Federer said.

“But it was definitely a great atmosphere at that point, and I was able to maybe get a bit more balls back on his serve, because I thought he was clocking his serve really well all match today. It was really impressive.

“I think in the second set he had more opportunities probably, so I think he deserved to win that third set.”

Federer is next scheduled to play at his hometown tournament, the Swiss Indoors Basel, which begins 21 October. He has, for a record-extending 17^th time, already secured his place at the season-ending ATP Finals, to be held 10-17 November at The O2 in London.

Date: 11 October 2019, Source: ATP and AP

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Federer saves 5 set points, sets up Zverev QF

Roger Federer saved five set points in the first set as he scrambled to a 7-6 (7), 6-4 win over 13th-seeded David Goffin on Thursday and advanced to the Shanghai Masters quarterfinals. It's his 87^th ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final.

Second-seeded Federer holds a 10-1 winning record against Goffin, including all three matches they've played this year.

Despite the outcome, Federer didn't feel in control of their third round match.

"I never really felt like I had the upper hand over David today. I thought he did a really good job. He was so much better than at the US Open," said Federer, who beat Goffin 6-2, 6-2, 6-0 in New York.

"It was really him that was able to, I don't want to say dictate play, but I think he was very clear in his shot selection, when to do what also in terms of the scoreline. I thought he took really a lot of good decisions, and he was super fast on his feet today, which I think made it really hard for me to get my freebies and winners off the baseline, because he was getting to all of them," Federer said.

"It was a really tough match today. I think that first set maybe ended up being key."

Goffin had the right plan against the 38-year-old Swiss, charging forward and playing aggressively. The Belgian had beaten Federer only once in their 10 meetings, at the 2017 ATP Finals. But after he erased a set point at 4-5 on his serve, Goffin broke Federer and had the set on his racquet, serving at 6-5.

Two missed forehands and a double fault, though, saw three set points come and go in the 12^th game. In the tie-break, Goffin had a set point as Federer served at 5/6, but the Swiss erased it with a laser inside-out forehand. Goffin saw another set point on his serve, at 7/6, but a backhand wide kept Federer in it, and the two-time Shanghai champion clinched his second set point.

Goffin rebounded in the second set, but Federer broke in the seventh game when Goffin netted a forehand approach.

The Swiss will next meet German Alexander Zverev, who beat Russian Andrey Rublev 6-0, 7-6 (4). Federer and Zverev last faced off in the semi-finals of the 2018 ATP Finals, which Zverev won en route to the biggest title of his career.

Date: 10 October 2019, Source: AP and ATP

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Federer cruises past Ramos-Vinolas in Shanghai

Roger Federer eased past Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-2, 7-6 (5) to reach the last-16 of the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday, avenging a defeat to the Spaniard in their last meeting at the same stage of the tournament in 2015.

Second seed Federer, who received a first-round bye, broke Ramos-Vinolas twice in the opening set and sailed through his service games without facing a break point in the match.

Ramos-Vinolas, who upset Federer four years ago to snap a 15-match losing streak against top-10 players, recovered well to force a second-set tiebreak but his Swiss opponent came back from 4-1 down to seal victory.

“Had a really good first set. I focused and had good energy, because when you travel around the globe, you're missing a bit of energy. Those first few games or matches can be sometimes a bit tricky. So I thought that went very well for me,” Federer said.

“Serve was solid. I was hitting my spots and really was never in trouble there. But of course all of a sudden, being in a breaker, calls out for different play sometimes and different momentum. He had his chances, but it was a nice comeback for me, and overall, I was very happy.”

Federer will next meet Belgian David Goffin or Kazakhstan's Mikhail Kukushkin for a place in the quarter-finals. The 13th-seeded Goffin beat France's Richard Gasquet 6-2, 6-3, and Kukushkin knocked out Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic on Monday.

Goffin upset Federer in similarly quick conditions during the 2017 ATP Finals semi-finals, although Federer leads their ATP Head to Head series 9-1. The 38-year-old is going for his third Shanghai title (2014, 2017) and 29^th Masters 1000 crown. He has already guaranteed his place at the season-ending ATP Finals, to be held 10-17 November at The O2 in London.

Date: 8 October 2019, Source: Reuters and ATP

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Federer to decide soon on Tokyo Olympic plans

Roger Federer plans to decide “in the next month or so” whether he will play at next year’s Tokyo Olympics.

Federer said on Tuesday his 2020 schedule is already set through to Wimbledon, which ends 12 July. The week-long Olympic tournament starts on 25 July and ends a few days before his 39th birthday.

“I guess I’m going to be deciding on the Olympic Games in the next few weeks, hopefully in the next month or so,” he said.

Speaking ahead of the Laver Cup team competition he co-owns, Federer said he is “very excited about the prospect” of Tokyo. “I just have to see how is the family, how is my body doing,” Federer said in a Swiss TV interview.

Federer is a four-time Olympian, meeting his wife at the 2000 Sydney Games and twice carrying Switzerland’s flag at opening ceremonies. He won doubles gold with Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and silver in singles at the 2012 London Games, where the tennis event was played at Wimbledon.

“It’s been such a special event for me,” he said.

He missed the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics because of knee injury.

To play in Tokyo, Federer would likely have to get a wildcard exemption from the International Tennis Federation as he has not played the required amount of Davis Cup games to be eligible by right.

Date: 19 September 2019

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