ATP Finals London: Roger Federer - "It's the haircut"
Like last year, Roger Federer made his qualification for the semifinals of the ATP Finals. The success against Novak Djokovic was surprisingly clear.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Nov 15, 2019, 09:41 am
By Jens Huiber from London
Almost traditionally, Novak Djokovic was in a hurry to get over the annoying obligations after his retirement at the ATP Finals in London. Not ten minutes after the surprisingly smooth 4: 6, 3: 6 defeat, the Serb beat in the interview room. Just as he did in Roland Garros in 2018 after his bankruptcy against Marco Cecchinato. At that time with the charming side aspect that Djokovic had simply adopted the much smaller press room.
To honor the truth, this is not a unique selling proposition for the 32-year-old man from Belgrade, who will definitely not finish the year as number one. This honor goes to Rafael Nadal, who after his defeat against Alexander Zverev was also in a hurry to answer all questions. What was also true for Roger Federer after the defeat against Dominic Thiem.
Djokovic unusually faulty
But: "Decisive is in the square," a German football coach has formulated so aptly. And there Federer was the better player on this Thursday evening. Only a break ball allowed the 38-year-old, Federer himself worked their seven. With the help of Djokovic, who did not have his best day with 13 unforced errors in 14 blows and sustained non-round. Maybe because he felt the marathon against Dominic Thiem still in his legs. Maybe because he once again fell behind in terms of popularity. Fairness was the 32-year-old man from Belgrade after that, however, can not be beat.
"I did not do that much right this match," said Djokovic. "Realistically, he was the better player in every way, he did everything right, I played too neutrally, I did not read his service so well." Asked about his opponent's age, Novak Djokovic, six years his junior, said. "It motivates me, I have the utmost admiration for him and what he does on the court, he's a role model even for me, even though he's my rival."
Federer wins his third group match again
Federer on the other side put down a Da Capo of his previous year's appearance. In 2018, the Swiss began against Kei Nishikori with a defeat, this time against Dominic Thiem. Federer had to win his last group match 12 months ago as well as the one on Thursday - but with respect to Kevin Anderson, Novak Djokovic is a much bigger hurdle.
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Although the pitch of Djokovic and Thiem is extremely different - the power increase of Federer within four days was at least amazing. Against Matteo Berrettini, in his first final victory, the 20-time Grand Slam winner did not have to go to his limits.
The mood after the win against Djokovic was accordingly good for Federer. Asked if he felt as young as he looked on the square, the fourfold father answered. "Yes, I feel fine, I feel young, but I think it's the haircut."
For Roger Federer, however, the parallels to 2018 may also be exhausted: He lost in the semifinals against an Alexander Zverev, who played "unreal tennis," as Federer said in an on-court interview following his success against Djokovic. Zverev, who is being looked after by Federer's management since this year, can only meet the maestro in the final. On Saturday it's either against Stefanos Tsitsipas or Rafael Nadal.