Roger Federer may not have ended the year as the best player in the world, or even the second best, but like so many times in the past decade he is the last player standing triumphant. For a record 6th time, Federer wins the ATP World Tour Final beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3 6-7(6) 6-3 in a thrilling final that electrified those who saw them at the O2 Arena this past weekend. It was Federer's 70th title who was also playing in his 100th career ATP finals.
In an odd way, the match seemed to have recalled many of the matches he played this year where he would play well and rush to an early lead only to falter towards the tail end. Who could forget his brutal loss to Tsonga at Wimbledon after being up two sets to love or to Novak Djokovic at the US Open with two match points on his serve? It seemed this story was going to continue when he was suddenly broken while serving out the match at 6-3 5-4 and ended up losing in the tiebreak after getting to championship point. But this time Federer held on. Never losing his cool, Federer made sure to make his opponent feel as stressed as possible serving second. The pressure got too much for Tsonga in the eight game and Federer was able to break him and then to serve the match out. It was Federer's 17th straight match win after the US Open giving Federer a 64-12 record for the year and four titles.
It was the best possible way for Federer to end his first year since 2002 without winning a Grand Slam by going undefeated in indoors and even comprehensively beating his main rival Rafael Nadal at the World Tour Finals. Turning 30 this year, Federer will have less opportunities to win the big titles and go on undefeated runs, but by winning here against the best players in the world, he shows that he is far from being done. Yes, other players were injured and not at their best, but that speaks more to Federer's work ethic and durability than anything else.
What all of this means for next year is very hazy. Federer also had a great fall season and won at the ATP World Tour Final last year and though he won his first tournament back, the momentum he may have had was halted by the Djokovic Train this year. Like it or not, Federer will need a little help from others such as Djokovic, Nadal, and Andy Murray. If they aren't 100% then Federer can make them pay. If they are healthy and rested, Federer will still have a chance, but it will be that much tougher. Don't forget about Tsonga as well who had a pretty damn great year. I predict he'll have a better year next year. Now it's time for the tennis off-season or what we all like to call a long weekend.
Roger Federer played very decent game throughout the tournament and successfully defend his title at the end and become the first man to win the 6 year ended championships.
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