Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was far from despondent in defeat after being beaten by Roger Federer in the Barclays ATP World Tour Final and is now full of optimism for 2012.
The 26 year-old Frenchman realized he had played a major part in one of the best matches of the year. “I am happy knowing I fought all I could,” said the Frenchman. “Of course, to win is better. But I gave everything. I can see myself in the mirror and say, ‘Yes, you fought enough’
“Maybe this was my biggest achievement of the year, getting to the final. I was more consistent in my head. That is something I am very happy about.”
But Tsonga was still full of admiration for Federer, “I was a bit lucky to play three sets. He’s the best player indoors at the moment, Perhaps he’s maybe the best player ever. He’s really quick.”
Now, after becoming only the second Frenchman ever to reach this year-ending final, Tsonga believes his challenge is to translate this form into a continuing push to get ever closer to the top four next year.
He will take just ten days rest and then start his preparations for the Australian Open, where he reached the final in 2008 and was a semi-finalist in 2010. “I have to work hard so my body can be quicker on the court,” he said. “I need to move better and maybe if I do that next year, I will have some better results.”
“DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE”