Federer falls out as Nishikori succeeds

As the ATP World Tour Finals kicks off, the tennis great, Roger Federer opens his tournament with a defeat. Sadly, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, Federer surrendered 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to the Japanese, Kei Nishikori. The Japanese gave Federer his first ever straight sets defeat in the group stage of the tournament. It was Nishikori’s third win over Federer over the past ten meeting. Before the matches began, Federer was not optimistic about his performance in London. His fans perceived it to be the 37-year-old’s humility. However, Federer’s prediction has been accurate and the outcome has disappointed his fans.

Federer’s footwork was not up to the mark and he slammed few shots with inappropriate timing. The 37-year-old Swiss has overcome Nishikori in Paris and Shanghai recently. Nishikori held a  6-1 lead in the first set tiebreaker. Although Federer retrieved back to 6-4, a forehand into the net permitted the Japanese to take the opening set. Also, Federer’s loss is an alarming situation as it diminishes the chances for him to qualify for the last four spots.

“I felt we both struggled, you know, throughout the first set,” he said. “You could tell it was sort of a first round. I had my chances may be a bit more than he did.”Then I started to feel better in the second set. I think we both did. The level went up. Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep the lead that I got early. That was important, I think, at the end. That was the key of the match.” Federer made a total of 34 unforced errors which outnumber his 19 winners. He denied that playing less tournament increased the pressure on him to do well at the tournaments he did play. “I don’t think, per se, I’m playing worse because of it,” he said. “I think I’ve had that pressure, not going out early, most of my career.”

Meanwhile on the courts, the Wimbledon finalist, Kevin Anderson the French Open finalist, Dominic Thiem 6-3 7-6 (12-10) at the season-ending event in London. Anderson aced on his fourth match point to overcome the Austrian. “It is fantastic to be here, I’ve worked hard and wanted to get here for so long,” said Anderson. “I’ve watched it since I was a kid so to play here in this amazing atmosphere and get a win, I couldn’t be more happy.” Moreover, He the first South African in 23 years to take part in the season-ending championships.