Photo Credit USTA/Darren Carroll
(November 15, 2018) Roger Federer qualified for his 15th ATP World Tour Finals Semifinal on Thursday with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Kevin Anderson at the O2 Arena in London. The win gives the 37-year-old, 2nd seed Federer a 2-1 record in the Lleyton Group. The Swiss wins the group outright as he beat the Anderson , also 2-1 in head-to-head competition within the group.
“I feel like some of the things he did today I didn’t really adjust to very well,” said the fourth seed Anderson. “I thought he used the change of pace very well today. I felt actually okay, pretty good, out on the court, but didn’t execute or play at a high enough level in order to win tonight’s match.
“That was a little bit disappointing because I felt like I played some really good tennis so far. But the plus side is I’m through to the semis. That feels great. That’s step one done. Have tomorrow off, definitely look to come back stronger on Saturday.”
Most likely, Anderson will play top seed Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. “I probably look more closely to our indoors, the last couple matches, playing him — played him at Laver Cup, obviously in Shanghai as well,” said the South Africa.n I mean, he’s playing amazing tennis. Obviously he’s really established himself back to the top of the game. Great, great opportunity for me.
“Obviously today was tough. Previous two matches I played really good tennis, coming off quite a few weeks where I’ve been playing better and better. Nice I have tomorrow to resettle. I guess the advantage of playing first on Sunday, then really looking forward to coming back on Saturday, picking things up again.”
Federer’s opponent is also yet to be determined as he tries to win his 100th career title, and 7th year-end title.. “I think regardless of the numbers this is a massive tournament for the players,” Federer said about going for his 100th title. “Of course, I can only speak for myself, but I’ve loved being part of the Tennis Masters Cup at the time, today World Tour Finals. I’ve always tried to pace myself in a way, set up my schedule in a way that I would have something left in the tank, I would peak at this event.
“I’m happy that this is another week like this. Didn’t look like it maybe 72 hours ago. But I was able to come back and play good tennis.
“Personally I’m still not thinking of the number 100. I won’t let that get in my head, make me go crazy because it should be something I’m excited about and not something I should feel extra pressure. As long as I think Novak is in the draw anyhow, he’s playing so good again, it’s never going to be easy.
“My next opponent, I don’t know who it’s going to be, I think it could even be Novak, but I doubt it’s going to be. I think it’s just going to be hard to finish it. I’m happy I gave myself the opportunity. I’m happy that I’m raising my level of play throughout this week. This is what I hope to do. Yeah, it’s exciting to be in this situation now, of course, no doubt.”
