Federer finding Finals form and fitness after win over Tipsarevic
WORLD No2 Roger Federer believes that he is on course to perform to the best of his ability after easing to victory over Janko Tipsarevic in his first match at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
The Swiss great, widely revered as the finest player of all time, comfortably cruised to a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Serbia’s Tipsarevic to secure a record 40th victory at the tournament and revealed he felt that, with his fitness at a level he is comfortable with, he is now well placed to pursue further success.
“I’m happy with my performance today, no pain anymore anywhere,” said Federer, who has already won the season finale six times and who withdrew from last week’s Paris Masters as a precaution.
“I’m happy with my level of play against Janko, who is obviously a good player.
“Coming in knowing that I’ve played so well in past years, I expect myself to be at a solid level. I feel like I’m striking the ball well. I hope it’s a sign of more to come but I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I’m happy the first one went so well and it takes pressure off the next couple of matches.”
It took the Swiss little over half an hour to secure the first set against an opponent who has yet to taste victory over him in their five previous matches. His serve was as consistent as both his power and slice which left the Serb, who on Monday had revealed his fitness was not where he would like it to be, with a significant struggle to remain in contention in a battle he ultimately lost.
“I think Roger was just too good,” Tipsarevic said of the opponent who yesterday overtook Ivan Lendl’s record of 39 wins at the ATP World Tour Finals after defeat was confirmed in just 68 minutes. “[But] the beauty about this tournament is that nothing is finished with one win or loss.”
After a closely-contested, three set affair, Spain’s David Ferrer defeated Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. “It was a very difficult match,” said Ferrer, who has won 11 consecutive matches.