Swiss world No.3 Roger Federer has escaped crashing out of the ATP Finals after battling his way past Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-3, in a decisive round-robin match.
Federer entered the match with everything to do following his mixed performance earlier in the week. On Sunday he crashed out in straight sets to Kei Nishikori, before regaining his momentum with a win over Dominic Thiem two days later. Meanwhile, Anderson had the luxury of already qualifying for the next round regardless of the outcome of the match.
“These round-robin formats are not as straightforward as you think.” Said Federer. “You feel like you can lose a match and still go on. We’re used to losing and leaving. You don’t hang around. From that standpoint, it was easier for me today. “
Taking on the world No.6 was very much an opportunity to get revenge for Federer, despite his winning 4-1 head-to-head record. In July he failed to convert a match point against the South African at Wimbledon, before getting edged out 13-11 in the decisive set.
Unlike the disappointment suffered at The All England Club, Federer managed to tame the threat posed by his rival during what was a roller coaster encounter. The opening set saw numerous momentum changes throughout. At first, the Swiss player looked to be in control after breaking for 4-3 with the help of three consecutive Anderson errors. Only him to get broken in the following game due to an erratic display. Despite the setback, Federer went on to break once more with the help of some low slicing shots to draw the mistakes from across the court.
Tasked with the opportunity to serve the set out and with it seal a place in his 15th semi-final at the season-ending tournament, the 37-year-old continued to face obstacles. This time he had to recover from a 0-40 deficit before taking the 6-4 lead. Hitting a forehand winner to claim his first set point, which he converted with the help of a serve out wide.
While the outcome of the group was decided, the two men still had to battle to see who would finish first. Bearing in mind whoever came second is likely to play Novak Djokovic next, who currently leads his section of the draw. It would be Federer that would triumph as he broke once again midway through the second set, hitting a deep slice backhand towards the baseline to break, on route to the finish line. After seeing two match points come and go, he triumphed on his third after an Anderson forehand went crashing into the net.
“I’m very happy. The first match was very tough against Kei. I never got going. With my back against the wall, maybe it was easier to play. I’m not sure.” Federer reflected about his journey in the group.
“I spoke with the team and came up with a good game plan against Dominic and Kevin. I’m happy it all worked out. I played some good tennis today.”
Federer will play the to-be-decided runner-up in the Guga Kuerten Group. He has a winning head-to-head record against three of the four players in that group. The only exception is Djokovic (22-25).
“The body is feeling good. I’m happy that I still have some fuel left in the tank.” He said.
“I’m happy to be alive and I hope to play a good match on Saturday.”
Today’s victory is Federer’s 57th at the ATP Finals, which is a tournament record.
