Roger Federer won a record sixth ATP World Tour Finals title with a 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3 victory over France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Sunday. Federer came to London’s O2 Arena determined to end a frustrating year on a high and he fulfilled that ambition by moving ahead of Pete Sampras and Ivan Lendl on the list of Tour Finals champions in the 100th final of his majestic career. The 30-year-old, who retains the title he won 12 months ago, has now won 70 trophies in his career and has also equalled Lendl’s record of 39 match wins in the end-of-season event.
While rivals Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have all faded in the final weeks of a gruelling season, Federer is still going strong and this triumph — which followed back to back titles in Basel and Paris — will be a major boost to his confidence heading into 2012. Although Federer, who takes home the winners’ cheque worth $770,000, ends the season without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2002, talk of his demise seems greatly exaggerated. The 16-time Grand Slam winner has reeled off a 17-match winning streak since the US Open and he will rise back above Murray to third in the world rankings as a result. “I couldn’t be more happy my season ends this way. I’m exhausted, Jo sapped every last energy out of me today,” Federer said.
“I thought we had an amazing match at Wimbledon, and an amazing one here. I hope we get a chance next year.” Tsonga added: “It’s a bit tough, without Roger maybe I can get some titles, but he is here and he is the best.” Tsonga had hoped to become the first Frenchman to win this event in its 41-year history.
Best moment of my career, says Federer
LONDON: Roger Federer insists that winning his record sixth title at the ATP World Tour Finals was one of the best moments of his career. Federer has amassed a whole host of magical memories during a remarkable career which has included a record 16 Grand Slam titles. But, after a frustrating year which saw him fail to win a major and slip to fourth in the rankings, Federer was over-joyed to beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3 in the final of the end-of-season showpiece at London’s O2 Arena. “It feels very special indeed.” Federer said. “I’ve been trying to block it out for the entire tournament but now it’s a reality that I’ve been able to win six titles and it’s an amazing feeling. “I know it’s one of my greatest accomplisments. I’m extremely happy and extremely proud. “This is definitely an amazing finish to the season. I’ve never finished so strong. “I used to be famous for not being consistent. I think this one proves that I was able to be successful for a long period of time.” Federer’s victory took him past Pete Sampras and Ivan Lendl’s tally of five Tour Finals crowns and also equalled Lendl’s record 39 match wins in the event. The 30-year-old, who ends the year third in the world, admitted Tsonga had given him a tough test, which only added to his sense of relief when he finally sealed the win. “I thought I played well but could I have won it easier? I guess. I had it in my hands,” added Federer, who captured his 70th title in his 100th final. “I had a chance to go a double break up in the second set. I had chances to serve it out and had chances in the tie-breaker. “I had to go through the third set which was tough but eventually I made it which felt probably even better. The relif was amazing. “I still don’t feel like I’m better than Pete Sampras or Lendl for that matter. I believe they are some of the all-time greats. I’m just happy to be compared to them.” AFP
