Federer impressed by Raonic's improvement

For those at the Brisbane International, the 2016 final was déjà vu - Roger Federer vs. Milos Raonic. Last year, the Swiss notched his 1000th match win in clinching the title over the Canadian. This time, the 25 year old would turn the tables, exacting revenge 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday.

Federer admitted he was too inconsistent and could not find his rhythm, but acknowledged Raonic's improved tactics and consistency. For the Swiss, it was a completely different match-up from their 10 previous encounters.

"His consistent power is something that's so impressive," said Federer. "The focus he brings to every single serve. I've always said it's amazing that he can do that.

"For a big guy he moves well. He's improved his fitness the last few years. Also tactically he's better now than he's ever been. He's made a conscious effort of playing close to the baseline, which before when he was working with the Spanish coaches he was way back.

"I think like this it's more on his racquet and it's probably not a bad thing. I thought he was playing really good tennis here last year and in also Indian Wells when I played him. I was quite impressed how good he was. Unfortunately he got injured and he had some issue which then didn't allow him to play anymore since. So it's a great start for him. I'm very happy for him."

Never one to make excuses, Federer revealed he has been experiencing a lingering cough and sore throat over the past week. Despite the ailment, he says he is happy to reach the final and kick off the new season with new coach Ivan Ljubicic.

"I'm very happy how the first week went. We just discussed quickly the week. We were both thrilled that I got to play as many matches as I did here this week, because we saw how bad I was doing on Tuesday.

"I've still got a cough and the throat is a bit weird. Definitely got to make sure I get over it as quickly as possible. As long as I keep on playing and doing all that stuff it's not going to go away faster. So I am going to rest up tomorrow. I also have to see, but then probably hit the practice courts again. In practice you can manage how hard you're going to do it. Obviously health is No. 1 priority.

"The good thing is the off-season was great. I have a base there, so I think within three to four days I should be back at 100 per cent, if things progress normally, which I think they are now."

Federer, who appeared in a hard-court final for a record 17th consecutive year, will make a 17th straight appearance at the Australian Open next week. Seeded third, the Swiss is bidding for a fifth title at the first Grand Slam of the year.

Date: 10th January 2016, Source: ATP

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Federer to face Raonic in Brisbane final

Roger Federer raced past Dominic Thiem in his first career ATP Head to Head against the Austrian on Saturday at the Brisbane International 6-1, 6-4, setting up a rematch of the 2015 final against Canada’s Milos Raonic. It marks the Swiss’ third straight trip to Brisbane’s trophy match.

“I think it was my best match of the tournament,” said Federer, who totaled 12 winners to just 10 unforced errors in the hour-long affair. “I thought I hit the ball pretty well, but that’s usually how it goes. You always play better toward the end. Nobody cares how you played at the beginning, as long as you got there. I’m very excited to be back in the final. It’s going to be special playing Milos again tomorrow.”

The defending champ was in control from the very start at Pat Rafter Arena, where he raced out to a 5-0 lead in the 22-minute first-set before Thiem managed to get on the scoreboard.

Like Federer, the No. 8-seed boasts a sweeping one-handed backhand, which he used to good effect in his quarter-final upset of No. 3 seed Marin Cilic. But the 22-year-old, who finished 2015 as the youngest player in the Top 20 of the ATP Rankings, was rarely able to use it to hurt his veteran opponent in the semi-finals.

Federer converted service breaks in the first and seventh games of the final set, as the unforced errors began to mount for Thiem (he finished with 26). With the loss, he fell to 1-10 against Top-10 competition.

Federer, 34, defeated Raonic in last year’s title match, which served as his 1,000th career victory on the ATP World Tour.

“Big serving guys are always just tricky,” said Federer of his match-up with Raonic, against whom he is 9-1 in ATP Head to Head meetings, his lone loss coming in the ATP Masters 1000 Paris quarter-finals in 2014. “I don't know if it's that I don't like to play them - I always embrace the challenge of playing big servers. I have a really good record against them. I usually do a good job of getting the ball back and then finding a way. Sometimes it’s worked and sometimes it hasn't. But I have no problems playing against him. Clearly, I respect his game. I think he's made a lot of progress in the past few years.”

Date: 9th January 2016, Source: ATP

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Federer overcomes illness, Dimitrov in Brisbane

Roger Federer will challenge Dominic Thiem on Saturday for a place in the final of the Brisbane International. It will be a first-time meeting for the duo.

Top seed and defending champion Federer, vying to capture his 89th tour-level title this week, worked hard to beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-4 on Friday night. The Swiss is now 4-0 lifetime against Dimitrov, including a victory in last year's Brisbane semi-finals.

Federer converted his third set point opportunity to clinch the 36-minute opener. Dimitrov survived two break points in the sixth game of the second set, then broke Federer to 15 en route to a 5-3 lead. Federer bounced back prior to a tie-break, which saw Dimitrov win five of the first six points.

From 2-2 in the deciding set, Federer won two straight games but could not clinch any of his three match point chances on Dimitrov's serve at 3-5, 0/40. Dimitrov won five straight points, before Federer closed out to love for victory in two hours and eight minutes. Federer won 27 of 35 points at the net.

"I thought I played really well considering, and caught sort of a second wind in the third set," said Federer. "I had to focus hard, so I thought I was able to relax again midway or at the beginning of the third at some stage, and the break came at the right time, so that was good. I thought he served actually very well. I took advantage of the fact of getting maybe too many second serves in the third."

Federer overcame the effects of a recent illness and conceded he was not 100 per cent during the match.

"It was tough in a way. The body is not quite ready, you know, physically it was difficult. So it's good to get through it without any issues," he said.

Earlier in the evening, eighth seed Thiem knocked out third seed Marin Cilic 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 in two hours. Thiem finished last year as the youngest player (22) in the Top 20 ATP Rankings at No. 20. He was also the first Austrian to place in the Top 20 since Jurgen Melzer (at No. 11) in 2010.

Looking ahead to his match against Thiem, Federer said, "I was very impressed with what I saw. I think he's got a great big backhand. Maybe likes slower courts, like to set up his shots. I guess you've got to take time away from a him. Like a Stan version in some ways if you compare him to one the top guys. He likes to play from far, but he's making a nice effort trying to play on the baseline as well. He uses a lot of spin as well on his serve. We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

"I thought it was a good win for him to beat Cilic today, because Cilic was looking good for a while there and these are the matches the young guys have got to win to take it to the next level, and that’s exactly what he’s doing."

Date: 8th January 2016, Source: ATP, AFP and Brisbane

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Federer races through season opener

Roger Federer began his 2016 ATP World Tour season on Thursday night by beating qualifier Tobias Kamke 6-2, 6-1 in just 55 minutes at the Brisbane International.

Federer has won his first tour-level match of the season each year for 18 straight seasons, since his ATP World Tour debut when he lost to Lucas Arnold Ker at Gstaad in 1998.

"I'm extremely pleased I was able to win today," said Federer, who was contesting his first match since Ivan Ljubicic replaced Stefan Edberg as his coach. "I was extremely happy with the work that Stefan was doing," said Federer. "He's been incredible. To get two years out of him was amazing, that was willing to take it on and give it a shot.

"When Ivan got available towards the end of the season, that's when I called him up. I thought he could be someone very interesting and exciting for my game, for my team. He could match well. He knows everybody. He is also a dad. He still plays very well. He's played against most of my opponents. He's played me a bunch and knows my game very well. He's now also been a coach for a couple years, which I thought was important. He's done very well with Milos Raonic, so very excited he's on the team. Today was our first win together, so that was nice as well."

Top seed Federer, who beat Raonic in last year's final, is attempting to capture his 89th tour-level title this week. He is also bidding to lift his ninth trophy in the month of January (also 2002 Sydney, 2005-06, '11 Doha, 2006-07, '10 Australian Open and 2015 Brisbane).

Federer has a 3-0 ATP Head to Head record against his quarter-final opponent, Grigor Dimitrov, who defeated Viktor Troicki earlier in the day. Federer beat Dimitrov in last year's semi-finals.

"Tomorrow is going to be tougher. It's earlier in the tournament. Okay, maybe just one round earlier. In practice, in December, it's been great. I have been hitting the ball well. I am where I want to be. Then again, tomorrow we'll see. Grigor's had a tough grind today, but he's extremely match tough. I expect him to be fresh again tomorrow. I played him quite aggressive last year and that worked well."

Federer contracted a flu-like illness off his family in the days leading up to the tournament.

"The way I started to feel late last night and today, with the speed of the court and all that, I felt like I’m happy to give it a go," he said.

"I guess I got some kind of flu. My whole family had it. I was the last guy to get it, so I knew what I was getting into when I was not feeling well."

Federer, who had a bye in the first round, said he asked tournament organisers for a later start to give him extra time to overcome his illness.

"So I started to feel a little bit better. That’s why I came out on Wednesday for a hit, just to see how things are. I was happy. There was no need to push it at all. I am not somebody that needs to play much before matches."

Date: 7th January 2016, Source: ATP and Brisbane

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Fatherly Federer stays a kid at heart

There are no New Year’s Resolutions for Roger Federer - at least, not when it comes to his tennis.

“To me it’s more about family when it comes to resolutions,” he told reporters. “I want to be a good dad and be patient with my children. I want them to enjoy life and just stay kids for as long as possible.”

But perhaps there is something to be found in Federer’s fatherly approach to his game. Now 34, the defending Brisbane International champion is staying a tennis kid at heart for as long as he can, and enters 2016 as the world No.3, still much apart of the Grand Slam conversation.

A year ago in Brisbane the Swiss won his 1000th career match while capturing an 83rd title, setting up for a year that included two major finals at Wimbledon and then the US Open. It is the kind of launching pad he would like to duplicate here in just over a week’s time.

“People like to talk about this tournament as a preparation for bigger things, but I don’t really see it that way,” Federer said. “Every tournament I play is important to me. Playing in Pat Rafter Arena with the crowds here in Australia, it’s always very exciting for me. This is a tournament I want to win. The draws are tough here. I told them they make it hard for me to defend my title.”

The top seed here, Federer gets a bye into the second round.

He is slated to meet his 2014 US Open conqueror Marin Cilic, the No.3 seed, in the semifinals should their seeds hold. Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic are the other seeded semifinalists on the bottom half of the draw.

“They love their tennis here in Brisbane and I’ve been quite successful in the last couple of years,” said Federer, who lost to Lleyton Hewitt in the 2014 final. “This is a great place for me to start my year.”

Having had former world No.1 Stefan Edberg by his side the past two seasons, Federer switched gears in the off-season, bringing on former world No.3 Ivan Ljubicic as his coach.

“I know Ivan really well,” Federer said. “What I like about him is that he’s really direct. He lets you know what he thinks. He has good insight. He’s played against a lot of the players still on tour, and he knows my game really well.”

Another player that knows Federer’s game well is Hewitt; the Aussie making his final farewell to tennis this summer.

Federer tips his proverbial cap to the former world No.1 for helping form him as a player, with the two tangling in the latter rounds of Grand Slams five times. In 27 career meetings, Federer has an 18-9 edge.

“I’ve been a big fan of his throughout and he’s been a true challenger of me throughout my career,” Federer said. “He got the better of me a lot at the beginning. I learned a lot from him, how feisty he was and how tough he was mentally and physically. He’s one of the reasons I am the player I am today because I took a different route than him. I learned how to work hard like him.”

Unless they clash in Melbourne, however, Hewitt’s win here two years ago will be their last meeting.

“I’ve always enjoyed the matches with him, and I’ve always enjoyed watching him,” Federer added. “He’s a true professional. I hope he does well this summer, in Melbourne in particular.”

Date: 3rd January 2016, Source: Brisbane

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Federer looks to Brisbane as 2016 launch-pad

Roger Federer said on Saturday he was looking at defending his Brisbane International title as a launch-pad to the new season.

The 17-time Swiss grand slam champion arrived in Australia Saturday with Sunday's Brisbane International tournament as his lead-up to this month's Australian Open in Melbourne.

Federer, 34, who won six titles including Brisbane last year and reached the final of both Wimbledon and the US Open, is up against world No.8 Kei Nishikori, No.14 Milos Raonic and No.28 Grigor Dimitrov in this year's Brisbane tournament.

"The likes of Nishikori, Raonic and Dimitrov want to move now finally into the top four or five and for us, the top guys, it's about hanging on where we are right now," Federer told reporters.

"I've been playing really well for over one and a half years - ever since I came back from my back problems in 2013.

"That's been very encouraging and now I'm just more confident than I was maybe a year ago as well."

Federer won the last of his 17 grand slam crowns at Wimbledon in 2012 and he still believes he has another major title within him.

Novak Djokovic dominated last year with three grand slam titles, and while the wait for an 18th slam title is stretching out, Federer said he was not voverly concerned.

"I've come so close, I've played very well, but I don't feel any frustration because of it," he said.

"I'm still happy with how I'm playing. It was Novak's year, he played so well there's only so much you can do if somebody's so dominant and he's got sky-high confidence.

"It's unfortunate, a pity for me, but at the same time I don't feel sorry for myself. I've won so much throughout my career, I feel like if I keep pushing forward it might happen.

"If not, it's okay."

It is Federer's third trip to the Brisbane International and not only did he win last year's title but he joined rare company by picking up the 1000th match win of his ATP career in the process.

"It's an absolute pleasure to be back in Brisbane," Federer said at the launch event for the Citycat Transport system. "I had a wonderful last two years here and was not going to miss it again as long as I am playing tennis. My family really enjoys it here and the people are super friendly. They love their tennis here in Brisbane."

"Winning my 1000^th match here last year was thrilling," added Federer. "It was so fitting to do it in the final with Roy Emerson and Rod Laver there."

Federer has a bye into the second round this year where he is due to face either Australian wildcard Ben Mitchell or a qualifier.

Beyond on-court results, the Swiss would like to continue to find a happy medium between work and family in 2016.

"For me, it’s more about family when it comes to New Year’s Resolutions," said Federer, a father of four who frequently travels with his children. "I want to be a good dad, be patient with my kids and enjoy life as long as I can."

Date: 2nd January 2016, Source: AFP and ATP

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Federer feeling the tiredness after big week in Brisbane

An off-season that wasn't an off-season and a tight schedule to start the year are starting to catch up with Roger Federer.

Hitting the ball as sweetly as ever, the 17-time grand slam champion overcame a first round hiccup to win the Brisbane International, then got on a plane the next morning before overcoming Lleyton Hewitt in a shortened five-set "Fast4 Tennis " exhibition match in Sydney on Monday night.

Now he just seems overcome.

"Clearly I am hurting from the last four matches and the last week," he admitted.

"After a final and a thousand matches usually it is `aah, that feels good' but the next day, bang, you have to come on court and play Lleyton and it is not so easy. But that's why I am really looking forward to rest now."

The good news is the Swiss feels he is in great form and is physically well despite the tiredness.
The bad news is he doesn't think he's had much of a break.

After a 73-12 season with five titles and a move back up to No 2 in the world, he polished off the year with a first Davis Cup win.

And then it seems, some more training.

"The off-season didn't feel like an off-season to be quite honest," he said.

"And I am not saying that to joke around in any way. I only had eight days off and went back into practice."

That included some time with Australian young gun Thanasi Kokkinakis in Dubai, a charity match in Switzerland and then another trip to the middle east to train with rising Belgian David Goffin.

"My year end comes after the Australian Open which I can't wait to come around," he said.
"But I can wait for another three weeks."

Federer will head straight to Melbourne now where he'll link up with his family but practice isn't on the agenda again until Thursday.

He might even sneak another day off after that before he makes a tilt at a first Australian Open title since 2010.

Date: 14th January 2015, Source: Stuff NZ

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Federer feels “funny emotions” after 1000th match win

Roger Federer has never been one to dwell on the past, briefly enjoying wins and lamenting losses before moving on to the next challenge. But with his win over Milos Raonic in the Brisbane International final marking his 1,000th ATP World Tour victory, the Swiss is taking time to savour his accomplishment.

“It feels very different to any other match I've ever won because I never thought about reaching 500 or 800,” Federer said of the 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-4 battle. “All those numbers didn't mean anything to me, but for some reason 1,000 means a lot because it's such a huge number. It's funny emotions right now, but clearly very proud and happy.”

Though the current World No. 2 entered the Brisbane final with a comfortable 7-1 record over Raonic, the score remained tight until the very end of the two hour and 13 minute match. It turns out the extra effort only sweetened the result.

“It means so much more than just running away with it and maybe winning 6-4, 6-4,” he said. “I guess I was much more happy having to go three sets in the end rather than winning in straight.”

Taking the confidence gleaned from his 83rd tour-level title, Federer is setting his sights on the Australian Open, where the four-time champion fell in the semi-finals to Rafael Nadal in 2014. When asked if he has another Grand Slam in his tank, the 33 year old did not mince words.

“I do believe that,” Federer said. “Then again, it's just talk. In the end, I've got to do the running. I've got to do the clutch play when it matters the most, like tonight… Clearly I do believe I have a shot in Melbourne, otherwise I would go home on Tuesday.”

While adding more Grand Slam hardware to his collection is a top priority, chasing Jimmy Connors’ career wins record of 1,215 is not.

“The goal is to remain in the game as long as possible. For that I need to stay injury free. I need to be hungry and motivated. For the moment I am, so that's more of a concern than reaching that number.”

With congratulations from around the world flooding in on social media following the Brisbane final, Federer has plenty of time to reflect on his 1,000 wins before it’s back to work. Just don’t ask him to remember them all.

“I probably remember 800 of them, at least. I hope I do,” he told the Brisbane media with a laugh. “Don't start testing me.”

Date: 12th January 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer's desire propels him to 1000 match wins

Sporting immortality long assured, Roger Federer has added another jaw-dropping achievement to one of tennis’ greatest careers.

By lifting his 83rd tour-level title at the Brisbane International today, Federer joined a very exclusive club. The Swiss followed in the footsteps of Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl as the only players in the Open Era (since 1968) to have reached the 1,000 match wins milestone.

The feat reflects dedication, commitment, longevity and, most importantly, desire.

“To be the best, year-after-year, takes a good team of support with coach and trainer,” says Pete Sampras, a six-time year-end No. 1 in the ATP Rankings, who recorded 767 match wins. “It’s having to play through times when you aren’t playing well and trying to find a way to win those matches you have to win.”

Connors conjured through intensity; his fun came from the battle, and he became the first to achieve the feat in early 1985. He retired with a record 1,253 match wins. Lendl, the father of modern tennis, who out-psyched and dictated, got to the mark at Basel in October 1992.

“You work hard and prepare hard to play consistently,” says Lendl, who notched 1,071 career match wins. “I remember when I played over 100 matches per year in the 1980s and never thought about it. Obviously, getting to 1,000 wins is more difficult than it seems. It’s really rare. But I looked at it as a by-product of winning so many matches and being consistent for that long.”

Both Connors and Lendl, like Federer, combined a relentless hunger and consistency that have become the hallmarks of modern professionalism.



Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall, who both recorded more than 1,000 match wins in their careers during the amateur, pro tour and Open Eras of the sport, are certain as to the reasons why Federer has been able to consistently beat the very best.

Laver, who won 200 titles during a 24-year career, insists that it is because of Federer’s “anticipation, strategy and fitness, along with being able to play on all surfaces”.

“By staying healthy and injury free, you can stay in good shape,” says Rosewall, who competed globally from 1951 to 1980. “He maintains his desire to play, because he loves to compete. For what he has achieved, Federer competes with a lot of pressure. He is one of the icons of tennis.”

Physically unchanged since his ATP World Tour debut at Gstaad in 1998, the lean Swiss has also continually evolved as a player to stay ahead of his rivals and at the top.

Just take Federer’s decision in late 2013 to hire one of his childhood idols, Stefan Edberg. Laver believes, “Stefan has been a great help, giving Roger a little more confidence at the net, and where to place your volleys.” Federer looked to improve an under-used aspect of his game in order to prolong his record-breaking career.

At 33 years of age and with two sets of twins to look after, he shows no signs of letting up. He remains a standard-bearer for excellence and is followed by example. In 2015, his 18th season as a pro, he continues to make sporting history.

Date: 11th January 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer claims 1000th win with Brisbane title

Roger Federer claimed his 1000th match win on Sunday as he defeated Milos Raonic 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-4 in the final of the Brisbane International.

The 33-year-old Federer is just the third player in the Open Era to achieve the feat, joining Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl. His milestone was celebrated on court after the match by Rod Laver and Roy Emerson.

"It's a special moment, no doubt about it," said Federer upon receiving a commemorative award from Laver. "I've played a lot of tennis over the years, so to get to 1000 wins tonight really means a lot to me. I'll never forget this match."

"It's a little bit tough standing here, in front of so many Grand Slam champions; it's an honour," said Raonic in the on-court ceremony. "We all know today was a significant milestone for Roger. When we were warming up, I heard all those titles; I honestly thought he was playing for 2000 match wins today! I think he needs to step it up!"

Federer extended his lead over Raonic to 8-1 in their ATP Head to Head series as he captured his 83rd title in his 125th tour-level final. The Basel native has won at least one ATP World Tour title each year since 2001.

Federer hit 15 winners to just three unforced errors in an impressive opening set. He broke Raonic in the third game, out-maneuvering the Canadian on the baseline. The Swiss carried his momentum into the second set as he quickly opened up a 2-0 lead, courtesy of a double fault from Raonic.

But the Toronto native fought back. With Federer up 30/0 on serve at 2-1, Raonic reeled off eight straight points to get back in contention and lead 3-2. In the eventual tie-break, Raonic won seven successive points from 0-2 down to level the match, clinching the tie-break with an unreturned serve.

In an enthralling final set, Federer saved five break points and Raonic saved four before succumbing in the 10th game. A double fault handed Federer match point at 30/40 and he converted as Raonic’s forehand found the net in the following point.



"Looking back, it's almost nicer winning this way through a tight match with nerves and humid conditions against a great player in a final," said Federer. "It means so much more than just running away with it with the score maybe 6-4, 6-4, which was looking very likely at one stage. I guess I was much more happy having to go three sets in the end rather than winning in straight."

Federer had finished runner-up to Lleyton Hewitt in the Brisbane final one year earlier. He has an 83-42 record in tour-level finals.

The 24-year-old Raonic was bidding to win his seventh ATP World Tour title and dropped to a 6-8 mark in finals.

Raonic said he did everything he could but didn't quite have the answer to beat Federer. Still, he didn't mind being part of the big occasion.

"It was a great tennis match. I stayed out there, competed, gave it my all," said Raonic. "I gave myself a chance after being down a set and a break. I think it just shows the development I've been able to make over the last little while. You put me in that same situation few months and weeks ago and I think I could be out of that stadium pretty quickly.

''It's great to see because you know how much he's done for tennis. He turned pro I think it was like 10 years before me,'' Raonic said. ''It's great to see everything he's done for tennis. The fans he's brought, the media attention he's brought... he's definitely the most popular tennis player of all time.''

Date:11th January 2015, Source: ATP and AP

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Federer to face Raonic in Brisbane final

Top seed Roger Federer will face Milos Raonic in the final of the Brisbane International after dismissing Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday.

World No. 2 Federer is looking to become just the third player in the Open Era to claim his 1000th tour-level match win, joining Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl.

The Swiss takes a 7-1 ATP Head to Head lead into the final against Raonic, though Raonic recorded his first win over the 33 year old last November at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris. When they met two weeks later at the ATP World Tour Finals, Federer prevailed in straight sets.

Federer finished runner-up to Lleyton Hewitt on his debut in Brisbane last year and is looking to win his 83rd tour-level title in his 125th final.

After the first semi-final saw Raonic edge Kei Nishikori in two hours and 33 minutes, Federer required just 53 minutes to beat the fourth-seeded Dimitrov. The Basel native won 75 per cent of his service points, only coming under threat in the final game as he served for the match. He broke Dimitrov four times as he moved to a 3-0 mark in their ATP Head to Head.

"I was able to play straightforward tennis, like yesterday, just really aggressive," said Federer. "Against a really good player, it's a great result. Happy I didn't waste much energy like this. I'm fresh for the finals. Probably got a slight advantage over Milos in that regard."

"His game is based more on the serve, but he's making improvements from the baseline and taking bigger cuts at the ball now," Federer said of Raonic.

"He's not just waiting for mistakes from the opponents, like he did at the beginning of his career more often."

Federer led the ATP World Tour in 2014 with 73 match wins, capturing five ATP World Tour titles.

The 23-year-old Dimitrov dropped to an 8-34 mark against Top 10 opponents. The right-hander finished 2014 at a year-end high of No. 11 in the ATP Rankings and with a personal best 50 match wins.

Raonic conceded he would have to be on top of his service game once again if he is to beat Federer.

"I've got to serve well, that's always been a key," he said.

"The last few matches I started poorly against him. I would get broken right in my first service game, which is not the way to really go about things, especially against a top player and especially against Roger."

Date: 10th January 2015, Source: ATP and AFP

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Federer tells next generation the Big Four aren't finished yet

Roger Federer knows the next generation of tennis players are closing in fast on the Big Four, the so-called elite quartet who have dominated the last decade of men's tennis.

Federer himself has not won a grand slam title since 2012 and the other members of the troupe, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, have all been battling injuries and illness.

Their drop in form and ailments have coincided with the rise of a new crop of players challenging in the majors, a sign that perhaps their era is coming to an end.

Stan Wawrinka won last year's Australian Open and Marin Cilic won the U.S. Open - marking the first time since 2003 that two players outside the Big Four won grand slam titles in the same season.

But Federer is not convinced that the changing of the guard is imminent. On the contrary, the 33-year-old Swiss believes last year's results were an anomaly and normal service will resume in 2015.

"We have had some injuries, it's not because we didn't play well or that we maybe dropped a bit," he told reporters at the Brisbane International on Friday.

"Rafa had his issues, Murray had surgery on his back, I've had a tough year in '13. The only guy who was really consistent was Novak... and he took care of it and took advantage of it to some extent. He was still there when it mattered the most."

Djokovic finished 2014 ranked number one in the world. His season featured a second title at Wimbledon, where he beat Federer in an epic final.

Nadal won the French Open for a record ninth time before injuries stalled his season. Federer won five ATP tournaments, including the Cincinnati and Shanghai Masters events and finished year ranked second.

"Rafa was still there again on clay. I was consistent last year. I think Murray is on his way back. He still made the Masters, even though he didn't play so well for sometime," Federer said.

A new wave of players also emerged last year. Kei Nishikori made the U.S. Open final while Milos Raonic and Grigor Dimitrov reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon.

The young trio have all made a strong start to 2015, joining Federer in the semi-finals at Brisbane while Djokovic and Nadal suffered early defeats at the Qatar Open.

Federer is impressed by his young rivals but not ready to anoint them just yet, saying they may have to wait a little longer than most people think.

"It's still a bit early to say. We'll see again what's going to happen this year," he said.

"I do believe there is a group of guys right there that can make a break again and can do special things. I just think it's too early to say in the season just because Novak and Rafa lost in Doha that there is something on the horizon.

"I don't read into any of those results. I think they are going to be tough to beat, and favourites for the Australian Open, to be honest."

Date: 9th January 2015, Source: Reuters

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Federer into Brisbane semifinals in just 41 minutes

Roger Federer will take on Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-finals of the Brisbane International on Saturday, as he edges closer to becoming the third player in the Open Era (since 1968) to record 1,000 career match wins.

Twenty four hours after battling back to beat John Millman, Federer calmly defeated another Australian wild card, James Duckworth, 6-0, 6-1 in 41 minutes.

"I was very happy the way I played," said Federer. "I played aggressive, served well, and then especially on the return I kept the pressure on time and time again. Next thing you know, it was like I was running away with the score."

Federer lost just six points in the 16-minute opener and he had won eight straight games before Duckworth held serve to 15 for 1-2 in the second set. He won 25 of his 30 service points overall.

“It was a rough night,” said Duckworth. “We all have days that aren't as good as others. It was a bit of a combination of things: me not playing great; didn't probably hit the ball as well as I had the last two matches, and Roger was seeing the ball pretty big… He didn’t do too much wrong tonight.”

Federer is now just two match wins shy of 1,000 career match wins. Should he lift the trophy on Sunday, he would join Jimmy Connors (1,253) and Ivan Lendl (1,071) as the only players to accomplish the feat.

On Thursday night, Federer recovered from a set and 1-3 deficit to beat Millman in just over two hours.

"I'm very happy," admitted Federer. "I saved energy and stress and nerves and everything, because yesterday was quite nerve wracking and physically difficult because it was first match of the season. You're always going to be a bit tense in that match."

Federer and Dimitrov are often compared due to their styles, particularly the single-handed backhand, and they're both anticipating a great semifinal.

''I'm aware of the challenge,'' Federer said. ''He's clearly expecting big things from himself this year, I would assume.

''So, it's an opportunity for him more than for me, but I still think it's going to be a tough and good match for both of us.''

Federer has beaten Dimitrov in the Swiss Indoors Basel quarter-finals for the past two years.

''I'm always excited when I get to play a match like that against a player like that,'' Dimitrov said. ''I have quite a bit of experience behind me now. I've learned from each match that I've played against him. I like my odds.''

Date: 9th January 2015, Source: ATP and AP

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Federer pushed hard to win the season opener

Roger Federer was pushed all the way in his 2015 ATP World Tour season opener at the Brisbane International on Thursday.

Federer fought back from a set and 1-3 deficit to beat World No. 153 John Millman 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in two hours and two minutes, during the night session.

“I was under a lot of pressure and I thought I got quite lucky,” said Federer on-court. “He was playing great tennis until maybe the last couple of games. I had to fight very hard. Credit to him for pushing me to the edge.

“I didn’t play badly, but maybe felt a bit tired at times. The first match of the season you never know quite what to expect. I am sweating like crazy. I am happy we had a good match and I got through in the end.”

Federer saved three set points from 0/40 at 4-5, but was broken on Millman's fourth opportunity after he missed a swinging forehand volley. Federer committed 21 unforced errors in the set.

Millman led 3-1 in the second set, before Federer started his comeback. He broke Millman and then came back from 0/40, on his serve, to level at 3-3. He saved four of five break points to come through the second set.

Federer, who finished runner-up last year, broke Millman at 3-3 in the decider.

He is now just three match wins (997) shy of 1,000 victories, a feat that he could achieve by lifting the 83rd trophy of his career on Sunday. Only Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl have reached the match wins milestone in the Open Era (since 1968).

Federer next meet another Australian James Duckworth, who will contest his first ATP World Tour quarter-final. Duckworth saved two match points against Jarkko Nieminen to prevail 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-3 in two hours and four minutes.

Date: 8th January 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer to reduce workload as he aims for more grand slams

World No 2 Roger Federer will play less tournaments in 2015 as he hunts for an 18th Grand Slam title in Australia.

Many critics were writing Federer off after a testing 2013 as he struggled with a back injury, but the 33-year-old stormed back last season to win more matches - 73 - than any other player on the men's tour.

And the Swiss superstar is set to kick off the new year at the Brisbane International on Thursday in buoyant mood with a fresh outlook on his playing schedule.

"I’m not sure if I’m going to play as much this year," Federer told Sky Sports. "I will have to win even more matches because I will most likely play less tournaments - we’re talking a couple here and there.

"I can definitely play another good season. I finished so strongly in the last six months so there’s no reason to think negatively at this point. At the same time, I know how well prepared all the other players are."

Federer, who claimed five ATP Tour titles last year, will play his first game of the tournament against John Millman in the second round in Brisbane.

With Novak Djokovic sitting at the top of the rankings, Federer is still motivated by claiming top spot again and impressing in Melbourne with the year's first Grand Slam starting on January 19.

"I would love to win the Australian Open," Federer added. "It would get me really close to being world No 1, plus it would mean I would win another Grand Slam.

"But if that wasn’t possible, then I would probably dream of winning Wimbledon once more. I just want to stay healthy and play good tennis and enjoy myself."

Date: 8th January 2015, Source: Sky Sports

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Roger Federer back in Brisbane

He may be carrying a relaxed demeanour but don’t be fooled - Roger Federer means business.

The Swiss Maestro touched down in Australia on Saturday and was at his casual best when fronting the media on the banks of the Brisbane River.

However, when asked the clichéd question about overcoming potential off-season rust at the beginning of a new year, Federer made his intentions clear for the season-opening tournament.

“I’m never a player that feels I need time to get going,” he said.

“I don’t see this as a preparation necessarily, I’m playing here to win.”

“The 2014 tournament really kicked off a great season for me, I’ve practised well and I’m eager and healthy and to be back here in Brisbane and Queensland is great.”

His performance in his Brisbane International debut last year is evidence the 17-time Grand Slam champion is a man of his word.

The 33-year-old didn’t drop a set en route to the final, progressing past Jarkko Nieminen, Marinko Matosevic and Jeremy Chardy with minimal fuss.

However, he was upset by Lleyton Hewitt in the final, with the Aussie turning back the clock in a three-set win.

Although disappointed with the loss, there was a sense of respect to go down to someone of the same vintage.

“I was close and was the big favourite going into the final. I just lost rhythm at the very end of the tournament,” Federer said.

“I’d love to win but I was happy for Lleyton last year and I think that overweighed my disappointment to some extent.”

With wife Mirka and both sets of twins in tow, Federer has put doubles on the backburner in Brisbane to ensure he has enough time to fulfill his obligations off the court.

He even had time to make a passing quip about his younger days on tour.

“I’d like to get out and about, just not to hotels and clubs. I’ve done that enough as a junior and now I see it a bit differently, actually want to get a feel for the place.”

“Maybe I can go a bit further away outside the city itself.”

A busy year saw Federer net the most wins of any player on the ATP Tour - and a winning percentage of 86 - coupled with the unbridled joy of guiding Switzerland to Davis Cup success for the first time in their history.

“For me the season didn’t really stop; exhibitions matches in India later in the year,” he said.

“I’ve been keeping quite busy, didn’t have a big break after Davis Cup, but I’m eager to get going again.”

Federer has an opening round bye and is set to meet Australian wildcard John Millman or a qualifier in the second round.

Date: 3rd January 2015, Source: Brisbane

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Federer "unbelievably pumped" for 2015 season

Roger Federer is hoping to start his 2015 ATP World Tour season with the title at the Brisbane International.

“I would love to win this event,” Federer told reporters Saturday on the banks of the Brisbane River. “I was close last year, after I had had a good week. I always like lifting trophies in a place that I have never been able to. I am unbelievably pumped up for this week. It’s a really good field, with a lot of promising players.”

Should the Swiss superstar win four more matches and lift his 74th tour-level title in Brisbane, he would become the third player in the Open Era (since 1968) to reach the 1,000 match wins milestone. Only Jimmy Connors (1,253) and Ivan Lendl (1,071) have done so.

Federer, who finished runner-up to Lleyton Hewitt in last year’s final on his Brisbane debut, added, “I really had a great time here as a player and also as a family here last year. I couldn’t wait to be back. It really kicked off a great season for me in 2014. It was a good one to basically to the end, with victory in the Davis Cup.”

The World No. 2 compiled an ATP World Tour-best 73-12 match record on the 2014 season, including five ATP World Tour titles, and helped Switzerland win its first Davis Cup crown.

“Overall, it was a great season for me,” admitted Federer, who works with Severin Luthi and Stefan Edberg. “I was consistent and I was playing positive, attacking tennis, the exact way I want to play. I gave myself quite a few chances at the Slams. I want to go one step further, because being close is not quite good enough.”

He will play his first match of 2015 against wild card John Millman or a qualifier in the Brisbane second round on Wednesday night.

Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic and Grigor Dimitrov also compete at the ATP World Tour 250 tournament this week.

Date: 3rd January 2015, Source: ATP

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Roger Federer: "Very hungry and eager to attack"

Roger Federer entered the New Year refreshed and fervently anticipating a resurgent 2014.

Following a 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 defeat to Lleyton Hewitt in Sunday’s final of the Brisbane International, the Swiss conveyed his impressions and reflected on the state of his game after the season opener, with the year’s first Grand Slam just a week away.

“I’m very hungry and eager to attack. I’m not thinking too far ahead. I’m not thinking short term. I’m definitely going there [Melbourne] to hopefully be there for a long time and putting myself in a good position.”

The 32 year old looks to continue his strong run of form that originated with a semi-final finish at the ATP World Tour Finals late last year. He looked back on his offseason training regimen, admitting that everything is coming together and holding up well after a back injury hindered his 2013 campaign.

“I’m looking back now, the last three, four months it’s been very positive going through Basel, Paris, and London. All three weeks in a row where I played a lot of matches, a lot of three setters as well. I went through all of December and probably practised more than all the guys ranked ahead of me because they were playing exhibitions and all that stuff. I did that for a full month, a lot of training, and now here I had another busy week and I’m actually holding up very good. So that's a good sign moving into 2014.

“I didn’t quite know what to expect from myself before the tournament. I played consistent, I must say. No breaks in the first three matches. Lleyton was the best player I played this week. He made it toughest on me, so I have a clear idea what I need to work on and I have a clear idea where my mind and body is.”
Federer had high praise for his longtime rival and acknowledges that Hewitt has made significant adjustments in his game over the years.

“I was making a lot of the shots early on, so also we didn't have the classical rallies we usually have against each other. He’s hitting the ball more flat. He doesn't allow you to come to the net as much anymore like he used to before back in the day. He used to almost make you come in and then pass you and frustrate you that way. So he’s changed that around a little bit because of the power game that exists in today’s game.”

Federer entered Sunday’s final leading 18-8 in their Head 2 Head series and had lost just once in his last 17 meetings against Hewitt. A storied rivalry that spans three decades, the Australian and the Swiss first met in 1999.

Date: 6th January 2014, Source: ATP

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Hewitt stuns Federer in Brisbane final

Top seed Roger Federer and Australian Lleyton Hewitt added another chapter to their rivalry at the final of the Brisbane International on Sunday. Hewitt topped Federer 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, earning his his first ATP World Tour title since the 2010 event in Halle.

"Congratulations Lleyton on a great week and a great finals today, way to tough it out. You guys make it very special for all of us, thanks very much for coming out and giving it everything you got," said Federer.

"Playing the best players in the world and finals of tournaments, always it's exciting. That's why you still play the game," said Hewitt. "For me, it was motivation enough just to try to get the win out there and obviously win another title. It's been a couple years. So I was just ready for the challenge today.

"It means a lot with the calibre of players here as well in this tournament. It's not an easy tournament to win. I wasn't one of the top four seeds, so I had to win all five matches to get through. There are pleasing parts and massive positives to take out of it."

Hewitt took the first set 6-1 over Federer, breaking the Swiss three times in 27 minutes while the Swiss superstar committed 22 errors.

Federer fought back in the second set, securing the lone break in the ninth game. The 17-time Grand Slam champion held his serve to even the match at one set all in 49 minutes.

The tenacious Hewitt, playing in his 45th career final and his first on home soil since the 2005 Australian Open, bounced back in the third set, breaking Federer in the fourth game to go 3-1. Hewitt saved all seven break points he faced in that set, leading to him hoisting his 29th tour-level title in two hours and seven minutes.

"I played great obviously at the start, really well," said Hewitt. "It took Roger a little bit of time to get into the match. Then I just had to fight hard at the start of the third set."

Federer’s serve had not been broken during the tournament so far - the 32 year old had saved all eight break points that he encountered until Sunday’s final.

"I feel pretty good, especially having played all the matches I have here now with the doubles in particular," said Federer.

"I didn't play great today which is a bit unfortunate. But also Lleyton was the best player I played this week. He made it toughest on me. So I have a clear idea what I need to work on, and I have a clear idea where my mind and body is at. I'm very hungry and eager to attack the Australian Open next week."

"It's a good start to the season, I got a busy year ahead of me with a baby coming. I hope I can come back next year," said Federer.

The final topped off a record week with 105,730 fans attending the event, breaking the previous record of 92,802 in 2012.

"Thanks to Roger, because the reason they read out the numbers and the records were broken this year was mainly because of Roger," said Hewitt.

Both players were vying for a maiden Brisbane title during this 27th meeting in their Head to Head Series. Federer entered Sunday’s final leading 18-8 and had lost just once in his last 17 meetings against Hewitt. Their last meeting on Australian soil came in 2011 when Australia entertained Switzerland on grass in the Davis Cup World Group play-off, with Federer prevailing in four sets.

Sunday’s victory marked Hewitt’s first win over a Top 10 opponent in an ATP World Tour Final since facing Federer in the 2010 Halle tournament. This was also the 32 year old’s first appearance in a final on home soil since the 2005 Australian Open.

Date: 5th January 2014, Source: ATP and Brisbane

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Federer, Hewitt to clash in Brisbane final; Will resume their long-standing rivalry

Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt will resume one of the oldest rivalries in tennis when they contest the Brisbane International final on Sunday.

Federer leads their Head to Head series 18-8 as the pair prepares to face off for the 27th time. The Swiss won their last meeting in four sets in the Davis Cup World Group play-offs in Sydney in 2011, but Hewitt won a year earlier when they clashed in the final of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, snapping a 15-match losing streak against Federer.

“You want to play against the best players, and obviously Roger and I have a good history and a lot of tough matches in the past in Grand Slams and Davis Cups and everything,” said Hewitt. “He's been great obviously for this tournament and ticket sales and promoting tennis in Australia again. I'm going to enjoy it.”

The 32-year-old Federer defeated Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3, following Hewitt’s 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory over World No. 17 Kei Nishikori in temperatures topping 40 degrees at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

Federer broke the Chardy in the second game of the match, taking a 2-0 lead which he maintained to take the set. Neither of the players managed to score a break in the second set and it was Chardy who eventually claimed the set in the tiebreak (3-7). Federer fired 20 aces and secured another break towards the end of the decider, taking a 5-3 lead and then wrapping up the victory on his serve to love.

Federer is chasing his 78th tour-level title, which would seem him move to standalone third in the all-time title leaders list; he is currently tied with John McEnroe. The Basel native needed just under two hours to defeat Chardy in their first meeting.

Hewitt is through to a tour-level final on home soil for the first time since the 2005 Australian Open, where he finished runner-up to Marat Safin. He is unbeaten in nine semi-finals Down Under. The two-time Grand Slam champion will look to win his 29th tour-level title on Sunday.

Federer was denied the chance to contest the doubles final. He and Nicolas Mahut were beaten by Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah 7-6(5), 6-3. Fourth seeds Cabal and Farah will challenge for their first ATP World Tour team title when they face Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Daniel Nestor in the final. The second seeds, who are playing together for the first time this week, defeated third seeds Jamie Murray and John Peers 7-5, 7-6(5).

"I'm really looking forward to it"

“We go back 17 years, our coaches back in the day were best friends," Federer said. It's amazing we have a chance to play in Australia, our first time in a final here I think.

“My rivalry with Lleyton was pretty intense - never nasty or anything, but just good matches. We're total opposite from one another the way we play.  I play with the one‑handed backhand; he plays his double‑handed. His attitude on court is totally different to mine. I think that's why it's always an interesting match-up for both of us.

“I don't play many guys who are older than me or my age,” said Federer. Even though there are quite a few guys around who are hanging on. I think we're both really looking forward to it.”

Federer has already contested six matches this week - three singles and three doubles - with his new bigger-headed racquet. “Right now, I’m very happy how it's feeling,” he admitted. “I've been able to put a lot of the hours on the racquet in practice and now in matches, so that's very important.”

Despite losing in the doubles semi-finals with Nicolas Mahut, the Swiss is happy with the time he has spent on the court.

“In the first week of the season, Federer said, “I think most important thing is to play enough matches. Number two is physically holding up, surviving the shock. You can train as much as you want, but it's never like the match. I’m not saying that the match is tougher, it's just different because you're going to stretch for that extra ball here and there. When you're doing fitness and training you're going much harder overall.

“It's been a good week so far, and I hope can play a good final tomorrow. I look forward to that final with Lleyton… We know each other very well, so both of us will find our groove and know what to expect from one another.

“The moment I don't play great, he will be there to take it, especially on a quick court like here.”

Hewitt's thoughts:

“We’re the same age, we grew up together, we have a lot of respect,” said Hewitt when questioned about the possibility of playing Federer in Sunday’s final.

“He’s had ties to Australian people as coaches, so I’ve known him really well. He’s a great guy and obviously I have the utmost respect for him not just as a player but what he does off the court as well.

“I look forward to the challenge if he does get up this afternoon and tomorrow’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Date: 4th January 2014, Source: ATP and Brisbane

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