Roger Federer has continued his winning streak after the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris, France. Federer reached his first final at the event. He is ending his season again on a high note. Federer won his 69th career title and 18th ATP Masters 1000 title. Federer only trails Rafael Nadal, who has 19 ATP Masters 1000 titles. Federer defeated Frenchmen Jo-Wilfred Tsonga in the final by a score of 6-1, 7-6(3). Federer saved two break points in his opening service game and never let Tsonga get comfortable.
Federer has never done well at this event. Federer over the last two years has been adjusting to the conditions well. He is starting to peak at the right time and playing to the strengths of his game. In an on court interview after the match, Federer said, “I was excited about the way I played this week. I have had many attempts to win Paris and for some reason I wasn’t able to. It’s a special victory.” Federer along with Andre Agassis are the only two men to win at both Paris events in Roland Garros and Bercy. Federer has had a disappointing season thus far. He now has three titles to his name and did not win a major for the first time since 2002.
Federer is having fun and he is enthused about playing tennis. Federer at age 30 has a passion for the game like no other player. He wants to play his best at every event he enters. Like the other top four on tour, he wants to win. But, he knows there are challenges as the talent has caught up to him. Players like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and the other opponents are raising their level of play. Federer knows he will have to do the same in order to win the Grand Slam tournaments and ATP Masters 1000 events.
Federer has won back-to-back titles after taking six weeks off from competition. The layoff began after playing for Switzerland in Davis Cup playoffs. Federer in a post match press conference said, “I always plan in the long term. I know how grueling it is out there. Even I need my time away.” Federer along with the top players take time away from the game because the schedule is so long and grueling. Federer, Murray, Djokovic, and Nadal need to rest for the injuries to heal properly.
Questions will arise about his game against top players because Federer did not have to play Murray, Djokovic, or Nadal en route to his two titles. He does not have a great record against those players. He did play well against Tsonga, who has given him trouble in the past. Federer has been playing great tennis going into the ATP World Tour Finals and he will be one of the players to beat in London. It is on to London for the games top eight. Play begins at the end of the week.