Roger Federer admires Novak Djokovic for ending year as world number one – Tennis News
Swiss Maestro, Roger Federer, praised the Serbian top ranked star, Novak Djokovic, on ending the season as world number one at the South African Airways ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour Rankings on Sunday prior to the start of Barclays
ATP World Tour Finals in London.
The six-time champion at the circuit-final tournament, Federer was enjoying a record 302 weeks at the top spot in the ATP rankings. However, the Swiss is dethroned from the top spot after withdrawing from the BNP Paribas Masters, an ATP Masters 1000 event
taking place in Paris Bercy. He was the defending champion in Paris and after his withdrawal, the Swiss lost several points.
Seeded second at the Paris Masters, Djokovic on the other hand was rewarded the top spot. The Serbian ace was edged out from his opening match against the American contender, Sam Querrey, in the round of 32. He thundered into French hard courts and pulled
out the opener with a bagel. However, Djokovic lost his rhythm and eventually suffered a 6-0, 6-7(5), 4-6 loss.
Despite an early exit from the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, Djokovic will end the season for second straight time as world number one.
Federer was quoted in a press conference:
"You do not get to number one by chance. The Rankings are something that shows how you have played over a 365-day period. It might all change again in two months at the Australian Open but right now it is clear."
The 31-year-old snatched his top rank back this year after conquering Andy Murray at his home Grand Slam event in July. He captured his 17th Grand Slam title at the Wimbledon Championships, third of the four Grand Slam events taking place at the
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Mustering his season further, the Swiss went on to make a final showdown at the London Olympics. He was underplayed against the British number one but managed to grab a silver medal. His impressive run of form led him reach far at many tournaments after
this and maintain his top rank.
He withdrew from the Paris Masters with fatigue but enjoyed a successful season. Federer will lock horns with the Serbian number two, Janko Tipsarevic, in Group B at the O2 Arena.
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