Federer captures second title of the year in Basel

Written by: Global Chick on 7th November 2011

Swiss Indoors tennis tournament at the St. Jakobshalle

Federer captures second title of the year in Basel

Switzerland's Roger Federer returns a ball to Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka during their semifinal match at the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday, November 5, 2011. EPA/GEORGIOS KEFALAS |

World No. 4 Roger Federer impressed his hometown crowd by claiming his fifth Swiss Indoors title and his second title for the year with a win over Japanese rising star Kei Nishikori 6-1 6-3.

Sunday’s final was the first time the two players have faced each other. The Swiss number one has amassed an amazing 68 career singles titles. “I’m very happy, as I got better as the week went on. I definitely saved the best for the last at the tournament. I played really well today in the final.”

Nishikori admitted feeling a bit nervous during the final. “I’m a bit disappointed with how I played today, as it didn’t go well, but it’s always going to be tough against him. His tennis was too good forme. I felt like I couldn’t do anything,” the Japanese player said.

The match was very one sided with Federer breaking early and continued to do so in the 29-minutes first set. In the second set the Swiss took at 4-2 lead. Nishikori had a break point but Federer never gave him a chance to win it.

“Every match is a good experience, especially when you’re playing Top 10 guys,” said Nishikori. The 30-year Basel Champion warned his future Paris opponents “I’m feeling really fit and I’m ready for more. I’m very hungry and fired up,” the former world number one said.

Both players will travel to Paris where Nishikori will face a qualifier and Federer will play the winner of Adrian Mannarino of France and Dmitry Tursunov of Russia. Paris is the last ATP Tour event of the season. The last remaining tournament for 2011 is the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London for the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams.

Michael Llodra and Nenad Zimonjic won their fourth team title at the Swiss Indoors in Basel by defeating Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor in the final 6-4 7-5. The newly crowned doubles Champions will share €93 900.