No stopping Roger despite semis exit
SWISS ACE HAPPY WITH PLENTY OF POSITIVES THIS SEASON
Nothing is going to change for former world No. 1 Roger Federer despite failing to end the season the way he had began.
Chasing a 100th career title in his 16th appearance at the year-ending Nitto ATP Finals, Federer was stopped in the semi-finals in straight sets by 21-year-old German Alexander Zverev late on Saturday, thus denying the Swiss ace a crack at a seventh crown here.
The last time Federer won a season-ending tournament was at this same venue in 2011 and the 20-time Grand Slam champion is not thinking too much as he promised to continue with his tennis routine as usual heading into the break.
“Once upon a time [Pete] Sampras said if you win a slam, it’s a good season. So I started great in Australia, but the second half of the season could have been better maybe. I also have high hopes to always do well. So I’m happy I gave myself opportunities again in that second half of the season. May be, I lost a couple too close matches that could have changed things around for me a little bit. May be in Paris or Wimbledon, I’m a little bit disappointed there because I believe I was close. Being close makes me believe I can keep going, I can win again. That’s uplifting in some ways,” Federer said at his post-match meeting with media.
“But because I know I could have won, I’m also disappointed because I aim high. From that standpoint, I’m a little bit disappointed now, which is normal. Overall I’m happy how the season went. There are many positives, to be honest. I’m excited for next season and obviously I can’t wait to go back to Australia in a couple of months,” he added.
Federer disclosed that for the moment, he was very much in sync with what he has been doing as a professional tennis player since the past two decades. “I can’t wait to go on vacation with the family and I don’t want to say I can’t wait for the build-up. It’s something that doesn’t bother me to work hard in the off-season. But I don’t know, with the experience I have and my team, I think we’re eager to see what we’re going to work on exactly. Also what’s the decision on the clay, seeing what’s going to transpire through the vacation, what are my thoughts, all that, then taking the decision at some point in next few weeks on that,” he said.
“The plan is to play again next year and come up with a good schedule that suits my family, suits Mirka [wife] and me.”