LONDON, November 12, 2017
The season ending finale has returned to London, which hosts its ninth straight Nitto ATP Finals at the O2 Arena. Roger Federer opened singles action on Sunday in Group Boris Becker with a 6-4, 7-6 win over US-American Jack Sock.
The 36-year-old Swiss, who has become the oldest player to qualify in history of the year-end Finals, sent down five aces, winning 90 per cent of his first service points to finish the encounter in one hour and 31 minutes.
“I’m happy that I was able to come out today and had actually good energy,” Federer said after his 50th match win of 2017.
“This is the best I’ve felt since the Del Potro final (in Basel). I’m very happy to see that I didn’t have to pay the price for taking it easy and resting and recovering. But then turning it up the last few days got me in shape for today. Now I think I’m in the tournament. There’s no more turning back. Just full steam ahead every match that comes.”
Federer Misses At The Net
“Did something put you off, Roger?” 🍑#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/R5NQDNCFRp
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 12. November 2017
Zverev With Successful Debut
Later in the evening, Alexander Zverev made his debut at the Nitto ATP Finals and earned his first victory. The 20-year-old German battled back to overcome Marin Cilic 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 moving up to the top of the Boris Becker Group alongside Federer.
Zverev sent down nine aces, winning 81 per cent of his first service points and came back from a back down in the final set to prevail after two hours and five minutes.
“I felt a little bit nervous coming out for the first time here. I think that’s normal for anyone that is playing here for the first time,” Zverev admitted. “I’m very happy to get my first win in this group.”
