Federer Is Relieved To Be Able To Play London

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 31st October 2013

BNP Paribas 2013 Masters Tennis Tournament

Federer Is Relieved To Be Able To Play London

epa03930345 Roger Federer of Switzerland returns the ball to Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their second round match at the BNP Paribas 2013 Masters tennis tournament in Paris, France, 30 October 2013. EPA/YOAN VALAT |

Roger Federer could not help but express some relief after beating Kevin Anderson at the Paris Masters to book a record-equaling 12th straight appearance at the ATP year-end event, leveling with Ivan Lendl. But it was a somewhat close call by the elite Federer standards.

“Tough isn’t always negative, I like it when it’s not so easy,” said the Swiss who has won six year-end trophies. “It’s true, I had to get up again after being sort of knocked down numerous times this year. I feel really good again, probably the first time ever since maybe Dubai (February). So this is a good thing. I’m happy that I can play this way right now.”

Federer qualified into the sixth position – recovering Andy Murray is eligible for the field will not play – leaving the final two spots to be decided this week at the Bercy arena.

Federer missed a chance to clinch by winning the Basel final at the weekend, which he lost to Juan Del Potro. “I definitely feel an improvement over Basel, no doubt about it. That’s also because I was able to play some matches, get some information, know where my game is at, my body is at.

“I could feel it out there, the way I was taking decisions, the way I was moving. It was very clear cut. No second guessing. It’s nice playing this way again, even though in Basel I had to fight through almost every match. It’s not something I always had the chance to do.”

Topics: 10sballs.com, Andy Murray, Atp, Ivan Lendl, Kevin Anderson, Paris Masters, Roger Federer, Tennis, Tennis News