Fed: Matches Like Today Are What Keep Me Coming Back

[PeteD]

13 November 2012 - 01H31
Rivalry with top stars keeps Federer coming back

AFP - Roger Federer insists his dramatic defeat against Novak Djokovic in the final of the ATP Tour Finals was exactly the kind of epic showdown that stops him thinking about retiring.

Federer's two-year reign as Tour Finals champion was brought to an end by a brilliant display from Djokovic, who underlined his status as the world number one by taking everything the Swiss great could throw at him and then hitting back even harder.

Djokovic eventually won 7-6 (8/6), 7-5 after two hours and 14 minutes of enthralling action at London's O2 Arena on Monday, denying Federer the chance to add to his six Tour Finals titles and leading the 31-year-old to acknowledge the thrill he gets from going toe to toe with such a spirited rival.

"It's part of the puzzle that makes me motivated, trying to play against the likes of Novak, Andy (Murray) and Rafa (Nadal)," Federer said.

"I think we had some great stuff out there. It was good playing such points.

"It's great playing against these guys because the ball does come back a few more times than against other players and you get those great rallies going.

"I love playing against the young guys as well, because to many of them I'm an idol which is kind of strange to me.

"But it's nice seeing them grow, see what the next generation comes up with."

Federer admitted he was frustrated to let the title slip through his fingers after leading by a break in each set.

But the 17-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged Djokovic had come up with some superb shots at the key moments.

"Maybe I have a bit of regret because I had the lead twice first before him," Federer said.

"But at the end of the day, that doesn't matter. You have to get over the finish line in the set and then obviously at the end of the match. He was better at that today.

"You have to talk about me serving really fast three or four times and him bringing back a bullet. I think this is where he gets me on the back foot."

Although Federer's 2012 campaign ended on a low note, a season which includes winning Wimbledon for the seventh time, as well as taking a silver medal at the London Olympics, can't be regarded as a failure and the Swiss is already plotting how to add more silverware to his trophy cabinet next year.

"I reflect in a nice way. I think it's been a fantastic season to be part of," Federer said.

"I'm very pleased that I was able to pick up my performance at the end of the season, like I played now this week. So obviously that gives me confidence for next year.

"I haven't really set clear goals yet for next year. I first have to make sure I create my schedule so it makes sense.

"I need to practice a whole lot more next year, because this year, I hardly did have an opportunity to do. I have some catching up to do in that standpoint."

[Sabratha]

I like that there's a big four and not just a big two anymore. There's more variety.

[Prisoner of Birth]

Originally Posted by PeteD

13 November 2012 - 01H31
Rivalry with top stars keeps Federer coming back

AFP - Roger Federer insists his dramatic defeat against Novak Djokovic in the final of the ATP Tour Finals was exactly the kind of epic showdown that stops him thinking about retiring.

Federer's two-year reign as Tour Finals champion was brought to an end by a brilliant display from Djokovic, who underlined his status as the world number one by taking everything the Swiss great could throw at him and then hitting back even harder.

Djokovic eventually won 7-6 (8/6), 7-5 after two hours and 14 minutes of enthralling action at London's O2 Arena on Monday, denying Federer the chance to add to his six Tour Finals titles and leading the 31-year-old to acknowledge the thrill he gets from going toe to toe with such a spirited rival.

"It's part of the puzzle that makes me motivated, trying to play against the likes of Novak, Andy (Murray) and Rafa (Nadal)," Federer said.

"I think we had some great stuff out there. It was good playing such points.

"It's great playing against these guys because the ball does come back a few more times than against other players and you get those great rallies going.

"I love playing against the young guys as well, because to many of them I'm an idol which is kind of strange to me.

"But it's nice seeing them grow, see what the next generation comes up with."

Federer admitted he was frustrated to let the title slip through his fingers after leading by a break in each set.

But the 17-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged Djokovic had come up with some superb shots at the key moments.

"Maybe I have a bit of regret because I had the lead twice first before him," Federer said.

"But at the end of the day, that doesn't matter. You have to get over the finish line in the set and then obviously at the end of the match. He was better at that today.

"You have to talk about me serving really fast three or four times and him bringing back a bullet. I think this is where he gets me on the back foot."

Although Federer's 2012 campaign ended on a low note, a season which includes winning Wimbledon for the seventh time, as well as taking a silver medal at the London Olympics, can't be regarded as a failure and the Swiss is already plotting how to add more silverware to his trophy cabinet next year.

"I reflect in a nice way. I think it's been a fantastic season to be part of," Federer said.

"I'm very pleased that I was able to pick up my performance at the end of the season, like I played now this week. So obviously that gives me confidence for next year.

"I haven't really set clear goals yet for next year. I first have to make sure I create my schedule so it makes sense.

"I need to practice a whole lot more next year, because this year, I hardly did have an opportunity to do. I have some catching up to do in that standpoint."

Wow

10fedrules

[monfed]

Practice more? He can't practice not blowing leads,can he?
Besides he's 31, he needs to start planning a grand retirement,samprasesque.

[Prisoner of Birth]

Originally Posted by monfed

Practice more? He can't practice not blowing leads,can he?
Besides he's 31, he needs to start planning a grand retirement,samprasesque.

Shut up.

302shutups

[Cup8489]

Originally Posted by monfed

Practice more? He can't practice not blowing leads,can he?
Besides he's 31, he needs to start planning a grand retirement,samprasesque.

Thought you were a Fed fan?

[merlinpinpin]

Originally Posted by monfed

Practice more? He can't practice not blowing leads,can he?
Besides he's 31, he needs to start planning a grand retirement,samprasesque.

Hi Clarky, love your alternate account. Care to create others to "support" Djokovic and Murray, too?

[Cup8489]

I just hope for another major this coming year. Anything beyond that is absolute cake.

[Prisoner of Birth]

Originally Posted by Cup8489

I just hope for another major this coming year. Anything beyond that is absolute cake.

I'd say that Major is cake, too.

[tennis_pro]

Originally Posted by Cup8489

I just hope for another major this coming year. Anything beyond that is absolute cake.

I just hope he keeps on playing for as long as possible. Reading such interviews makes it easier to swallow defeats like yesterday.

I'm also quite interested what goals Federer sets for 2013 I mean damn what is there more to achieve for him?

[Steve0904]

I'm interested to see how Fed plans his schedule next year because no masters are mandatory for him anymore. He could really peak for the slams next year (not that he wasn't doing that already of course), but he may be fresher for them next year if he does it right, and I have a strange feeling he will. He's always been a good planner when it comes to his schedule.

[Sabratha]

Originally Posted by Steve0904

I'm interested to see how Fed plans his schedule next year because no masters are mandatory for him anymore. He could really peak for the slams next year (not that he wasn't doing that already of course), but he may be fresher for them next year if he does it right, and I have a strange feeling he will. He's always been a good planner when it comes to his schedule.

A light schedule isn't always the best option.

[Steve0904]

Originally Posted by Sabratha

A light schedule isn't always the best option.

Didn't say it was going to be light, but if he does it right, he could be well rested without being rusty for the slams.

[Sabratha]

Originally Posted by Steve0904

Didn't say it was going to be light, but if he does it right, he could be well rested without being rusty for the slams.

If it wins him a slam and a couple of Masters, then that's a good plan.

[Bobby Jr]

Originally Posted by Sabratha

A light schedule isn't always the best option.

Most players seem to need to play themselves into the majors but Federer seems to be one guy who stands out as who can turn up and trounce people with magic from the first day of an event. I wonder if a well managed break with fewer lead-up tournaments than his peers could really be a shot in the arm for his peak potential. He may have some hiccups but even looking at this week's tournament he played pretty well yet was the only player who had the last week off (or did someone else as well??)

[Goosehead]

Originally Posted by Steve0904

I'm interested to see how Fed plans his schedule next year because no masters are mandatory for him anymore. He could really peak for the slams next year (not that he wasn't doing that already of course), but he may be fresher for them next year if he does it right, and I have a strange feeling he will. He's always been a good planner when it comes to his schedule.

can federer play however many tournaments he wants too ?..
or does he have to play a minimum number ??.

[Steve0904]

Originally Posted by Goosehead

can federer play however many tournaments he wants too ?..
or does he have to play a minimum number ??.

Not sure. I think he can play whatever he wants. He may have to play some 500's, but he'll probably do that anyway just for the appearance money, but I'm almost certain he doesn't have to play any 1000 tournaments.

[JustBob]

Originally Posted by Steve0904

Not sure. I think he can play whatever he wants. He may have to play some 500's, but he'll probably do that anyway just for the appearance money, but I'm almost certain he doesn't have to play any 1000 tournaments.

Yup, he qualifies for all 3 exemptions, so he can skip any Masters he wants.

1.08 Reduction of ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Commitment

A. A player’s number of ATP World Tour Masters 1000 commitment tournaments shall be reduced by one (1) tournament for reaching each of the following milestones:

1) 600 matches (as of 1 January of the commitment year)
2) 12 years of service
3) 31 years of age (as of 1 January of the commitment year)

If all three (3) conditions are met then the player has a complete exemption from the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 player commitment.

[merlinpinpin]

Originally Posted by Steve0904

Not sure. I think he can play whatever he wants. He may have to play some 500's, but he'll probably do that anyway just for the appearance money, but I'm almost certain he doesn't have to play any 1000 tournaments.

No. 500's are not mandatory, they just cost you 0-pointers if you don't play enough. He's basically free as a bird, now.

[Tennis_Hands]

Originally Posted by merlinpinpin

No. 500's are not mandatory, they just cost you 0-pointers if you don't play enough. He's basically free as a bird, now.

I am curious to see, what he is going to do with his schedule next season. Being a master of the scheduling and all.

Common sense says, that he should be playing slightly less than this year (maybe missing a couple of clay tourneys and slightly reduced summer HC season) and aiming at the big events. We will see.

Ontopic: That is what many of Federer's detractors do not understand about him. He gets motivated, when things do not go his way. Federer loves the challenge and never runs away from it.