ATP FINALS FED TURNS THE OTHER CHEEK

Sock it to me! Roger laughs off American’s bum steer

ROGER FEDERER admitted being given the bum’s rush by Jack Sock before his latest London victory at the Nitto ATP Finals.

The Wimbledon champion beat the new American No.1 6-4 7-6 in an entertaining first match at The O2.

But in all his years, the 19-time Grand Slam winner said he had never seen an opponent turn and show his backside during a big match like Sock after he got stranded at the net in the first set.

And Federer was the butt of the joke when he put his forehand into the net with the court wide open.

“It was a big distraction, I’ll tell you that, because it was very big,” laughed the world No.2.

“That’s what I should have aimed for. That target was bigger than the down-the-line court that I had. It’s happened sometimes in the past, but not on a big stage like this.”

Sock, who is making his first appearance at the season-ending event, said: “I did it more for fun. Probably do it three times a year. No, it’s not a normal tactic.”

Federer did not face a break point in 91 minutes as he seeks his seventh ATP Finals title in his 15th appearance. And in a tight second set where Sock (below) saved five break points, the American conjured a brilliant betweenthe-legs volley only for Federer to produce a backhand passing shot.

“He hit a good shot, credit to him but it was a minor shank,” claimed the world No.9. “When he hit it, it wasn’t very clean, I figured it was going to go out. It landed just inside both lines. It’s

Roger, I guess. He can do no wrong.

Everything goes in.”

Federer said: “After missing last year with injury, it is great to be back here. I can’t wait for my next match on Tuesday.”

Rafa Nadal, who was also absent 12 months ago, later came on court to be presented with a trophy to mark ending the year as world No.1 for the fourth time – and the first time since 2013.

“It’s not something I could’ve thought of one year ago, so it means a lot to me,” said the Spaniard (circle).

The French Open champion, who opens his campaign against David Goffin tonight, has never won this title and claimed on Friday it should sometimes by played on clay.

But Federer countered: “I think it’s right and fair that it’s indoors. “It’s not the time of the year for clay, so there you have it. “You can do indoor clay, I guess, but that’s a bit

silly.”