Federer, Murray Win Keys Titles to Extend ATP Year-End Drama
Federer Coasts to 6th Swiss Open Crown
World No. 2 Roger Federer kept alive his hopes of wrestling the year-end No. 1 ranking away from Novak Djokovic, on Sunday defeating David Goffin 6-2, 6-2 in the final of the Swiss Open at Basel.
ADHEREL
“I didn’t expect this kind of result but clearly I’ll take it, it’s great,” Federer said. “It’s indoors tennis, sometimes you just blow a guy out of the court and I’m happy it was me today doing that.
It was the Swiss’ sixth career Basel title, improving to 6-5 career in Swiss Open finals. It was his 82nd tour title, and 12th straight match win coming off the Shanghai Masters title. Goffin prior to the final had won 43 of 45 matches on the tour and challenger circuits since Wimbledon.
Federer heads to Paris with a shot at No. 1.
“It would be very special to reclaim No. 1. World No. 1 is what it’s all about in our game,” Federer said. “With the year I have had and the amount of finals I have played, the level of tennis I have played, I am pleased to see that I have a shot. But having a shot and being there is two separate things. I am sure that Novak is going to come in very motivated, just after having a baby. I am very happy for him. There are clearly interesting weeks ahead.”
Murray Fights Off 5 M.P.s to Win Valencia
Andy Murray virtually locked up a spot at the year-end championships on Sunday by coming back to beat Tommy Robredo 3-6, 7-6(7), 7-6(8), saving five match points in the final of the Valencia Open in Spain.
“I know it was an incredible match,” Murray said. “The tennis at the end and in the second set was high level. I played well at the right moments.”
At three hours and 20 minutes, it was the longest final on the ATP World Tour this year. An exhausted Murray has contested 20 matches in the last five weeks in an effort to qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals in London. It was Murray’s second career Valencia crown and his 31st career title. Robredo fell to 12-10 in career finals.
“It was an amazing match, and you have to enjoy it. Unfortunately someone has to win and it was decided by a few balls. It is what it is. When I finish the season next week and I watch today’s match against one of the best players we have right now, I will be very happy.”
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