<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has forced sportspersons to train indoors while either cancelling or postponing major sporting events such as the Olympics, Wimbledon, EURO, among other major tournaments. Swiss tennis wizard Roger Federer has been pretty active on social media platforms as he continues to keep his fans and followers engaged by posting videos of him training in his backyard.</p>

<p>Federer on Tuesday took to micro-blogging platform Twitter to post another video of him doing a solo drill in a bid to keep himself active during these tough times. Federer asked his fans to reply to him with their videos while adding that he will give them some tips to train alone. The Swiss maestro then went on to tag some of the biggest names in the world of sports, movies and music.</p>

<p>“Here’s a helpful solo drill. Let’s see what you got! Reply back with a video and I’ll provide some tips. Choose your hat wisely #tennisathome,” Federer tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here’s a helpful solo drill. Let’s see what you got! Reply back with a video and I’ll provide some tips. Choose your hat wisely <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tennisathome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tennisathome</a> <a href="https://t.co/05lliIqh1h">pic.twitter.com/05lliIqh1h</a></p>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1247511322067185665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, the 20-time Grand Slam winner, in another tweet, tagged many major sportspersons, actors and musicians. The likes of Virat Kohli, Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, Hugh Jackman, Stephen Curry, Dwayne Johnson, Cold Play, among others were tagged by Federer as the tennis legend asked them how they are #TrainingFromHome.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“How else are you guys #TrainingFromHome @tonikroos @gianluigibuffon @imVkohli @tombrady @trevornoah @luka7doncic @billgates @swish41 @cristiano @alexzverev @cocogauff @kensingtonroyal @realhughjackman @rafaelnadal @stephencurry30 @therock @beargrylls @coldplay,” Federer wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How else are you guys <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrainingFromHome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrainingFromHome</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ToniKroos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tonikroos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gianluigibuffon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gianluigibuffon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TomBrady?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tombrady</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Trevornoah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trevornoah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/luka7doncic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@luka7doncic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BillGates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@billgates</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/swish41?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@swish41</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cristiano</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexZverev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alexzverev</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cocogauff</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kensingtonroyal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RealHughJackman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realhughjackman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelnadal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenCurry30?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stephencurry30</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@therock</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BearGrylls?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@beargrylls</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coldplay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coldplay</a> <a href="https://t.co/N8BHl4v0HR">https://t.co/N8BHl4v0HR</a></p>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1247511957214769156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to wreak havoc, it is unclear as to when the sporting action will resume. There are some major tournaments scheduled to be played later in the year 2020 and if the situation doesn’t improve in coming weeks, then it is unlikely that fans will witness any sort of sporting action in the coming months.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The COVID-19 pandemic has forced sportspersons to train indoors while either cancelling or postponing major sporting events such as the Olympics, Wimbledon, EURO, among other major tournaments.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced sportspersons to train indoors while either cancelling or postponing major sporting events such as the Olympics, Wimbledon, EURO, among other major tournaments. Swiss tennis wizard Roger Federer has been pretty active on social media platforms as he continues to keep his fans and followers engaged by posting videos of him training in his backyard. Federer on Tuesday took to micro-blogging platform Twitter to post another video of him doing a solo drill in a bid to keep himself active during these tough times. Federer asked his fans to reply to him with their videos while adding that he will give them some tips to train alone. The Swiss maestro then went on to tag some of the biggest names in the world of sports, movies and music. “Here’s a helpful solo drill. Let’s see what you got! Reply back with a video and I’ll provide some tips. Choose your hat wisely #tennisathome,” Federer tweeted. Here’s a helpful solo drill. Let’s see what you got! Reply back with a video and I’ll provide some tips. Choose your hat wisely #tennisathome pic.twitter.com/05lliIqh1h — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 7, 2020 × However, the 20-time Grand Slam winner, in another tweet, tagged many major sportspersons, actors and musicians. The likes of Virat Kohli, Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, Hugh Jackman, Stephen Curry, Dwayne Johnson, Cold Play, among others were tagged by Federer as the tennis legend asked them how they are #TrainingFromHome. “How else are you guys #TrainingFromHome @tonikroos @gianluigibuffon @imVkohli @tombrady @trevornoah @luka7doncic @billgates @swish41 @cristiano @alexzverev @cocogauff @kensingtonroyal @realhughjackman @rafaelnadal @stephencurry30 @therock @beargrylls @coldplay,” Federer wrote. How else are you guys #TrainingFromHome @tonikroos @gianluigibuffon @imVkohli @tombrady @trevornoah @luka7doncic @billgates @swish41 @cristiano @alexzverev @cocogauff @kensingtonroyal @realhughjackman @rafaelnadal @stephencurry30 @therock @beargrylls @coldplay https://t.co/N8BHl4v0HR — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 7, 2020 × Meanwhile, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to wreak havoc, it is unclear as to when the sporting action will resume. There are some major tournaments scheduled to be played later in the year 2020 and if the situation doesn’t improve in coming weeks, then it is unlikely that fans will witness any sort of sporting action in the coming months.

WATCH: Roger Federer nominates Virat Kohli, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, The Rock and others for 'training for home' challenge

<p class="MsoNormal">The entire sporting calendar has come to a screeching halt with almost all the major tournaments and events getting either postponed or completely cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest major event to get cancelled was Wimbledon 2020 and that has left the entire tennis fraternity heartbroken.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While almost every one&nbsp;of them is under lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, players have resorted to practising at their respective residences. Swiss wizard Roger Federer on Wednesday took to social media platform Twitter to post a video of him practising in his house, near his garage.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Another glimpse into the stay at home practice routine. I hope everyone is safe and healthy. Stay positive. Keep active. Support one another. We will get through this together #stayhome,” Federer captioned the video.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-virus-rewriting-history-books-in-tennis-mahesh-bhupathi-opens-up-on-wimbledon-cancellation-life-in-lockdown-and-more-290212" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Virus rewriting history books in tennis' - Mahesh Bhupathi opens up on Wimbledon cancellation, life in lockdown and more</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Another glimpse into the stay at home practice routine<br />
I hope everyone is safe and healthy. Stay positive. Keep active. Support one another. We will get through this together <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stayhome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stayhome</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZVqMZ2ZpXc">pic.twitter.com/ZVqMZ2ZpXc</a></p>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1245700603407478784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the AELTC on Tuesday announced that the Wimbledon has been cancelled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus pandemic while adding the 134<sup>th</sup> edition of Championships will be staged from June 23, 2021, to July 11, 2021.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Those who have paid for a ticket will receive have a refund while having the choice to purchase a pair of tickets in the Wimbledon 2021 for the same day and court.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Earlier this year, Federer had undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.<o:p></o:p>&nbsp;He made a public statement on Twitter and revealed that he will be missing the Dubai Open, Indian Wells tournament and the French Open. "My right knee has been bothering me for a little while, I hoped it would go away, but after an examination and discussion with my team, I decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday," Federer wrote on Twitter."<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, French Open has been postponed to September now, and this may see, Federer, playing the tournament.<o:p></o:p></p>


The entire sporting calendar has come to a screeching halt with almost all the major tournaments and events getting either postponed or completely cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The entire sporting calendar has come to a screeching halt with almost all the major tournaments and events getting either postponed or completely cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest major event to get cancelled was Wimbledon 2020 and that has left the entire tennis fraternity heartbroken. While almost every one of them is under lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, players have resorted to practising at their respective residences. Swiss wizard Roger Federer on Wednesday took to social media platform Twitter to post a video of him practising in his house, near his garage. “Another glimpse into the stay at home practice routine. I hope everyone is safe and healthy. Stay positive. Keep active. Support one another. We will get through this together #stayhome,” Federer captioned the video. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Virus rewriting history books in tennis' - Mahesh Bhupathi opens up on Wimbledon cancellation, life in lockdown and more Another glimpse into the stay at home practice routine I hope everyone is safe and healthy. Stay positive. Keep active. Support one another. We will get through this together #stayhome pic.twitter.com/ZVqMZ2ZpXc — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 2, 2020 × Meanwhile, the AELTC on Tuesday announced that the Wimbledon has been cancelled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus pandemic while adding the 134th edition of Championships will be staged from June 23, 2021, to July 11, 2021. Those who have paid for a ticket will receive have a refund while having the choice to purchase a pair of tickets in the Wimbledon 2021 for the same day and court. Earlier this year, Federer had undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He made a public statement on Twitter and revealed that he will be missing the Dubai Open, Indian Wells tournament and the French Open. "My right knee has been bothering me for a little while, I hoped it would go away, but after an examination and discussion with my team, I decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday," Federer wrote on Twitter." However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, French Open has been postponed to September now, and this may see, Federer, playing the tournament.

WATCH: Roger Federer gives 'another glimpse' of home practice in the backyard

<p>Good morning! Start your day with WION's news brief!</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-records-highest-single-day-death-toll-due-to-coronavirus-at-884-289982">US records highest single-day death toll due to coronavirus at 884</a></p>

<p><img alt="xd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97812d0d-c532-44b0-97fc-d00a776fb5ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/134997-america-corona.jpeg" /></p>

<p>The death toll due to coronavirus in the United States touched a new single-day high with 884 fatalities, according to&nbsp;Johns Hopkins University&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;live tracker.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-scare-looms-larger-as-danger-lurks-at-the-sea-289989" hreflang="en">Coronavirus scare looms larger as danger lurks at sea</a></p>

<p><img alt="hn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf502368-008c-4f43-b9fe-bc5483280656" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/135286-zaandaam.jpg" /></p>

<p>When the governments all over the world have been able to stem the growth of the novel coronavirus to an extent by taking stringent measures, danger, or rather death, continues to lurk at&nbsp;sea.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/swiss-tennis-ace-roger-federer-devasted-after-wimbledon-cancellation-289985" hreflang="en">Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer 'devasted' after Wimbledon cancellation</a></p>

<p><img alt="sxa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b7c90700-a53a-46ed-9571-dbad0e35d264" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/16406-gettyimages-545497950-20161230095645.jpg" /></p>

<p>The tennis maestro was "devastated" after the news, as the 38-year-old is running out of options as his prolific career is on its last&nbsp;stages.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sailors-do-not-need-to-die-us-warship-captain-reports-coronavirus-cases-in-guam-289833">'Sailors do not need to die': US warship captain reports coronavirus cases in Guam</a></p>

<p><img alt="fv" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33aa5e1f-ed6e-4272-b4d0-382d8073e805" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/135208-untitled-design.jpg" /></p>

<p>A captain of US aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt has told authorities that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-mourns-coronavirus-victims-as-death-toll-rises-above-12000-289815">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;is spreading uncontrollably through the battleship.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH|&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-coronavirus-did-homeopathy-cure-prince-charles-289980" hreflang="en">Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: Did homeopathy cure Prince Charles?</a></p>

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Good morning! Start your day with WION's news brief! US records highest single-day death toll due to coronavirus at 884 The death toll due to coronavirus in the United States touched a new single-day high with 884 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 live tracker.

Good morning! Start your day with WION's news brief! US records highest single-day death toll due to coronavirus at 884 The death toll due to coronavirus in the United States touched a new single-day high with 884 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 live tracker. Coronavirus scare looms larger as danger lurks at sea When the governments all over the world have been able to stem the growth of the novel coronavirus to an extent by taking stringent measures, danger, or rather death, continues to lurk at sea. Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer 'devasted' after Wimbledon cancellation The tennis maestro was "devastated" after the news, as the 38-year-old is running out of options as his prolific career is on its last stages. 'Sailors do not need to die': US warship captain reports coronavirus cases in Guam A captain of US aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt has told authorities that coronavirus is spreading uncontrollably through the battleship. WATCH| Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: Did homeopathy cure Prince Charles? ×

Morning News Brief: US death toll, COVID-19 scare at sea and more!

<p>Sporting events across the globe have come to a halt as the accelerated coronavirus outbreak continues. Its new victim is the Wimbledon Championship, the tennis Grand Slam is cancelled for the first time since World War II.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-canceled-for-1st-time-since-wwii-because-of-covid-19-pandemic-289951" hreflang="en">Wimbledon canceled for 1st time since WWII because of COVID-19 pandemic</a></p>

<p>Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer took to Twitter to share his feelings after learning about the cancellation of London tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tennis maestro was "devastated" after the news, as the 38-year-old is running out of options as his prolific career is on its later stages.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Devastated <a href="https://t.co/Fg2c1EuTQY">https://t.co/Fg2c1EuTQY</a> <a href="https://t.co/cm1wE2VwIp">pic.twitter.com/cm1wE2VwIp</a></p>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1245373248210178048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12.</p>

<p>Instead, the next edition of the tournament will be June 28 to July 11, 2021. The tournament was first held in 1877 and has been contested every year since, except two stretches: from 1915-18 because of World War I, and from 1940-45 because of World War II.</p>

<p>The world number 4 will be expected to be in the tournament next year.&nbsp; Many tennis tournaments such as the ATP tour and the French Open have been postponed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Roger Federer took to Twitter on Wednesday saying that he and his wife Mika have donated one million Swiss Francs to help the helpless families in Switzerland amid coronavirus pandemic. &nbsp;</p>

<p>One million Swiss Francs sums up to nearly Rs 7 crores, Federer donated this amount because "nobody should be left behind" during the crisis the world is facing</p>


Sporting events across the globe have come to a halt as the accelerated coronavirus outbreak continues. Its new victim is the Wimbledon Championship, the tennis Grand Slam is cancelled for the first time since World War II.

Sporting events across the globe have come to a halt as the accelerated coronavirus outbreak continues. Its new victim is the Wimbledon Championship, the tennis Grand Slam is cancelled for the first time since World War II. Also read: Wimbledon canceled for 1st time since WWII because of COVID-19 pandemic Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer took to Twitter to share his feelings after learning about the cancellation of London tournament. The tennis maestro was "devastated" after the news, as the 38-year-old is running out of options as his prolific career is on its later stages. Devastated https://t.co/Fg2c1EuTQY pic.twitter.com/cm1wE2VwIp — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 1, 2020 × The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12. Instead, the next edition of the tournament will be June 28 to July 11, 2021. The tournament was first held in 1877 and has been contested every year since, except two stretches: from 1915-18 because of World War I, and from 1940-45 because of World War II. The world number 4 will be expected to be in the tournament next year. Many tennis tournaments such as the ATP tour and the French Open have been postponed. Earlier, Roger Federer took to Twitter on Wednesday saying that he and his wife Mika have donated one million Swiss Francs to help the helpless families in Switzerland amid coronavirus pandemic. One million Swiss Francs sums up to nearly Rs 7 crores, Federer donated this amount because "nobody should be left behind" during the crisis the world is facing

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer 'devasted' after Wimbledon cancellation

Star Athletes who could miss the 2021 Tokyo Olympics

<p>Tennis great Roger Federer on Wednesday donated more than a million dollars to help support his "most vulnerable" Swiss compatriots through the coronavirus crisis.</p>

<p>The 20-time Grand Slam champion and his wife donated one million Swiss francs ($1.02 million, 943,000 euros), saying nobody should be left behind as Switzerland battles against the global pandemic.</p>

<p>According to official figures reported to the World Health Organization, Switzerland has the ninth-highest number of infections in the world.</p>

<p>According to the Swiss health ministry, more than 8,800 people have tested positive for COVID-19, while 86 people had died as of Monday.</p>

<p>"These are challenging times for everyone and nobody should be left behind. Mirka and I have personally decided to donate one million Swiss francs for the most vulnerable families in Switzerland," world number four Federer, 38, said on Instagram.</p>

<p>"Our contribution is just a start. We hope that others might join in supporting more families in need. Together we can overcome this crisis! Stay healthy!"</p>

<p>On Friday the Swiss government further tightened measures against the new coronavirus, banning all gatherings of more than five people, while anyone standing closer than two metres to others risks a fine.</p>

<p>The government had already ordered the closure of schools and all places of leisure, including restaurants, bars and non-food shops.</p>


Tennis great Roger Federer on Wednesday donated more than a million dollars to help support his "most vulnerable" Swiss compatriots through the coronavirus crisis.

Tennis great Roger Federer on Wednesday donated more than a million dollars to help support his "most vulnerable" Swiss compatriots through the coronavirus crisis. The 20-time Grand Slam champion and his wife donated one million Swiss francs ($1.02 million, 943,000 euros), saying nobody should be left behind as Switzerland battles against the global pandemic. According to official figures reported to the World Health Organization, Switzerland has the ninth-highest number of infections in the world. According to the Swiss health ministry, more than 8,800 people have tested positive for COVID-19, while 86 people had died as of Monday. "These are challenging times for everyone and nobody should be left behind. Mirka and I have personally decided to donate one million Swiss francs for the most vulnerable families in Switzerland," world number four Federer, 38, said on Instagram. "Our contribution is just a start. We hope that others might join in supporting more families in need. Together we can overcome this crisis! Stay healthy!" On Friday the Swiss government further tightened measures against the new coronavirus, banning all gatherings of more than five people, while anyone standing closer than two metres to others risks a fine. The government had already ordered the closure of schools and all places of leisure, including restaurants, bars and non-food shops.

Roger Federer donates $1 million to vulnerable Swiss in virus crisis

<p>Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer took to Twitter on Wednesday saying that he and his wife Mika have donated one million Swiss Francs to help the helpless families in Switzerland amid coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-pep-guardiola-donates-one-million-euros-to-medical-college-in-spain-288334">Coronavirus: Pep Guardiola donates one million euros to medical college in Spain</a></p>

<p>One million Swiss Francs sums up to nearly Rs 7 crores, Federer donated this amount because "nobody should be left behind" during the crisis the world is facing.</p>

<p>Roger Federer wrote on social media, "These are challenging times for everyone and nobody should be left behind. Mirka and I have personally decided to donate one million Swiss Francs to the most vulnerable families in Switzerland."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our contribution is just a start. We hope that others might join in supporting more families in need. Together we can overcome this crisis. Stay healthy."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/l0bnPPKEQe">pic.twitter.com/l0bnPPKEQe</a></p>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1242782285222612994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Many sports icon such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi have donated huge amounts to fight the global pandemic. Cristiano Ronaldo and football agent Jorge Mendes on Tuesday will provide lifesaving equipment to Portuguese hospitals struggling to treat patients with coronavirus.</p>

<p>The two will be donating equipment for two wards at Lisbon's Santa Maria hospital. According to the hospital's statement, they will provide the wards with 10 beds each, ventilators, heart monitors, infusion pumps and syringes.</p>

<p>Pep Guardiola earlier donated one million euros to a medical college in Barcelona to combat the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lionel Messi split his one million euro donation into two halves, one half went to a hospital in Spain, whereas the other half went to his native country Argentina.&nbsp;</p>


Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer took to Twitter on Wednesday saying that he and his wife Mika have donated one million Swiss Francs to help the helpless families in Switzerland amid coronavirus pandemic.

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer took to Twitter on Wednesday saying that he and his wife Mika have donated one million Swiss Francs to help the helpless families in Switzerland amid coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Coronavirus: Pep Guardiola donates one million euros to medical college in Spain One million Swiss Francs sums up to nearly Rs 7 crores, Federer donated this amount because "nobody should be left behind" during the crisis the world is facing. Roger Federer wrote on social media, "These are challenging times for everyone and nobody should be left behind. Mirka and I have personally decided to donate one million Swiss Francs to the most vulnerable families in Switzerland." "Our contribution is just a start. We hope that others might join in supporting more families in need. Together we can overcome this crisis. Stay healthy." pic.twitter.com/l0bnPPKEQe — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) March 25, 2020 × Many sports icon such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi have donated huge amounts to fight the global pandemic. Cristiano Ronaldo and football agent Jorge Mendes on Tuesday will provide lifesaving equipment to Portuguese hospitals struggling to treat patients with coronavirus. The two will be donating equipment for two wards at Lisbon's Santa Maria hospital. According to the hospital's statement, they will provide the wards with 10 beds each, ventilators, heart monitors, infusion pumps and syringes. Pep Guardiola earlier donated one million euros to a medical college in Barcelona to combat the novel coronavirus. Lionel Messi split his one million euro donation into two halves, one half went to a hospital in Spain, whereas the other half went to his native country Argentina.

'Together we can overcome this crisis', Roger Federer donates one million Swiss Franc to helpless families amid COVID-19

<p>Roger&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;has undergone surgery to resolve a longstanding knee problem and said Thursday he would be out of action until after the French Open while his rivals backed the 38-year-old to return as strong as ever.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../tennis-federer-nadal-play-to-record-crowd-in- cape-town-279367">Tennis: Federer, Nadal play to record crowd in Cape Town</a></p>

<p>The 20-times Grand Slam winner revealed on his Facebook account that he underwent surgery in Switzerland on Wednesday and would miss a string of tournaments including the May 24-June 7 French Open.</p>

<p>"As a result, I will miss Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota, Miami and the French Open," he said.</p>

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<p>Federer, who has amassed 103 career titles, explained that he had intended to avoid surgery if possible but the problem in his right knee refused to go away.</p>

<p>He will now target a return for the grass-court season and an assault on a ninth Wimbledon title after reaching the final in 2019 where he had two championship points before losing an epic final to Novak Djokovic.</p>

<p>"My right knee has been bothering me for a little while," added the world number three who reached the Roland Garros semi-finals last year.</p>

<p>"I hoped it would go away, but after an examination and discussion with my team, I decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday."</p>

<p>"After the surgery, the doctors confirmed that it was the right thing to have done and are very confident of a full recovery.</p>

<p>"I can't wait to be back playing again soon -- see you on the grass."</p>

<p>Federer, French Open champion back in 2009, will miss Roland Garros for the fourth time in five seasons.</p>

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Speechless 😶 <a href="https://t.co/oI3YSR7eLd">pic.twitter.com/oI3YSR7eLd</a></p>
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<p>His absence from Paris means his great rival Rafael Nadal, the 12-time champion, can draw level with the Swiss on 20 majors.</p>

<p>Federer&nbsp;also underwent surgery on his left knee in February 2016 which allowed him just seven tournaments that season.</p>

<p>However, that surgery-enforced absence eventually paid dividends with another Australian Open title and then Wimbledon six months later.</p>

<p>He has only played one tournament in 2020, making the semi-finals of the Australian Open where he was defeated again by eventual champion Djokovic.</p>

<p>His last appearance on a court was an exhibition event in Cape Town earlier this month where his charity match with Nadal was played in front of 50,000 spectators, a world record for a tennis event.</p>

<p>This year's Wimbledon runs from June 29-July 12 with the Tokyo Olympics tennis event following from July 25-August 2.</p>

<p>Federer&nbsp;has yet to win a singles gold medal at the Games.</p>

<p>He was a silver medallist in London 2012 while, four years earlier in Beijing, he won the doubles title with Swiss teammate Stan Wawrinka.</p>

<p>Federer's decision to skip the French Open was met with understanding by organisers.</p>

<p>"We are disappointed not to see&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;again," tournament director Guy Forget told France Info.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If he had taken this decision, then it was the wisest."</p>

<p>Russian world number five Daniil Medvedev said it was sad to see&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;forced to sit out the US hardcourt and European clay-court seasons.</p>

<p>"The news shocked me. I didn't know he was going to have an operation," &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; said Medvedev who is the top seed at the ongoing Marseille ATP event this week.</p>

<p>"It's a little sad for him in the sense that he misses tournaments when he is still playing well. I'm sure he's going to come back well at the grass-court season.</p>

<p>Fellow veteran Gilles Simon, who played&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;for the first time 12 years ago, said the great Swiss will be a serious contender on his return.</p>

<p>"The last time it was hard but he still won the Australian Open in his stride after not playing for nine months!" said the 35-year-old Simon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There's nothing else to say. We'll wait and see."</p>


Roger Federer has undergone surgery to resolve a longstanding knee problem and said Thursday he would be out of action until after the French Open while his rivals backed the 38-year-old to return as strong as ever.

Roger Federer has undergone surgery to resolve a longstanding knee problem and said Thursday he would be out of action until after the French Open while his rivals backed the 38-year-old to return as strong as ever. Also read: Tennis: Federer, Nadal play to record crowd in Cape Town The 20-times Grand Slam winner revealed on his Facebook account that he underwent surgery in Switzerland on Wednesday and would miss a string of tournaments including the May 24-June 7 French Open. "As a result, I will miss Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota, Miami and the French Open," he said. pic.twitter.com/VVGI1o8XYZ — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 20, 2020 × Federer, who has amassed 103 career titles, explained that he had intended to avoid surgery if possible but the problem in his right knee refused to go away. He will now target a return for the grass-court season and an assault on a ninth Wimbledon title after reaching the final in 2019 where he had two championship points before losing an epic final to Novak Djokovic. "My right knee has been bothering me for a little while," added the world number three who reached the Roland Garros semi-finals last year. "I hoped it would go away, but after an examination and discussion with my team, I decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday." "After the surgery, the doctors confirmed that it was the right thing to have done and are very confident of a full recovery. "I can't wait to be back playing again soon -- see you on the grass." Federer, French Open champion back in 2009, will miss Roland Garros for the fourth time in five seasons. 🤹‍♂️🥁🚀🏟 Speechless 😶 pic.twitter.com/oI3YSR7eLd — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 7, 2020 × His absence from Paris means his great rival Rafael Nadal, the 12-time champion, can draw level with the Swiss on 20 majors. Federer also underwent surgery on his left knee in February 2016 which allowed him just seven tournaments that season. However, that surgery-enforced absence eventually paid dividends with another Australian Open title and then Wimbledon six months later. He has only played one tournament in 2020, making the semi-finals of the Australian Open where he was defeated again by eventual champion Djokovic. His last appearance on a court was an exhibition event in Cape Town earlier this month where his charity match with Nadal was played in front of 50,000 spectators, a world record for a tennis event. This year's Wimbledon runs from June 29-July 12 with the Tokyo Olympics tennis event following from July 25-August 2. Federer has yet to win a singles gold medal at the Games. He was a silver medallist in London 2012 while, four years earlier in Beijing, he won the doubles title with Swiss teammate Stan Wawrinka. Federer's decision to skip the French Open was met with understanding by organisers. "We are disappointed not to see Roger again," tournament director Guy Forget told France Info. "If he had taken this decision, then it was the wisest." Russian world number five Daniil Medvedev said it was sad to see Federer forced to sit out the US hardcourt and European clay-court seasons. "The news shocked me. I didn't know he was going to have an operation," said Medvedev who is the top seed at the ongoing Marseille ATP event this week. "It's a little sad for him in the sense that he misses tournaments when he is still playing well. I'm sure he's going to come back well at the grass-court season. Fellow veteran Gilles Simon, who played Federer for the first time 12 years ago, said the great Swiss will be a serious contender on his return. "The last time it was hard but he still won the Australian Open in his stride after not playing for nine months!" said the 35-year-old Simon. "There's nothing else to say. We'll wait and see."

Roger Federer targets Wimbledon after knee surgery blow

<p>Swiss tennis ace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../federer-stages-great-escape-to-reach-australian- open-semis-277034">Roger Federer</a> is set to face his long time rival Novak Djokovic for the 50th time in the semifinal clash of the Australian Open.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-sets-up-roger-federer-showdown-with-milos-raonic-rout-277095" hreflang="en">Australian Open: Novak Djokovic sets up Federer showdown after Milos Raonic rout</a></p>

<p>World No 2 Djokovic leads 26-23 in the head-to-head clashes with World No 3 Roger Federer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2020-dominic-thiem-beats-rafael-nadal-to-enter-semi-finals-277380" hreflang="en">Australian Open 2020: Dominic Thiem beats Rafael Nadal to enter semi-finals</a></p>

<p>The defending champion Novak Djokovic will be looking forward to win his 8th Australian Open title and stop Roger Federer's hopes to win 21 Grand Slam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Swiss Maestro won a hard-fought quarterfinals match against the 100th-ranked Tennys &nbsp;Sandgren on Tuesday at Melbourne Park.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 38-year-old came back from a near defeat against the American. The scores were &nbsp;6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 (8) 6-3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Federer had skipped his practice session on Wednesday as he developed a groin issue during his tough quarterfinals match. He asked for a medical timeout twice during the game.</p>

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<p>He said that not playing on Wednesday would help him recover a bit against the 7-time Australian Open champion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Serbia's Djokovic respected Federer for his fighting spirit, he said: "I mean, he never gives up. When it matters the most, he's focused and he plays his best tennis. He's a great fighter."</p>

<p>"What he did was amazing, he showed me he's one of the best players of all time," added Djokovic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Novak Djokovic defeated Milos Raonic 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) in the quarterfinals match to reach the semifinals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Match will take place at Rod-Laver Arena at 2:00 PM (IST).&nbsp;</p>


Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer is set to face his long time rival Novak Djokovic for the 50th time in the semifinal clash of the Australian Open. Also read: Australian Open: Novak Djokovic sets up Federer showdown after Milos Raonic rout World No 2 Djokovic leads 26-23 in the head-to-head clashes with World No 3 Roger Federer.

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer is set to face his long time rival Novak Djokovic for the 50th time in the semifinal clash of the Australian Open. Also read: Australian Open: Novak Djokovic sets up Federer showdown after Milos Raonic rout World No 2 Djokovic leads 26-23 in the head-to-head clashes with World No 3 Roger Federer. Also read: Australian Open 2020: Dominic Thiem beats Rafael Nadal to enter semi-finals The defending champion Novak Djokovic will be looking forward to win his 8th Australian Open title and stop Roger Federer's hopes to win 21 Grand Slam. The Swiss Maestro won a hard-fought quarterfinals match against the 100th-ranked Tennys Sandgren on Tuesday at Melbourne Park. The 38-year-old came back from a near defeat against the American. The scores were 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 (8) 6-3. Federer had skipped his practice session on Wednesday as he developed a groin issue during his tough quarterfinals match. He asked for a medical timeout twice during the game. × He said that not playing on Wednesday would help him recover a bit against the 7-time Australian Open champion. Serbia's Djokovic respected Federer for his fighting spirit, he said: "I mean, he never gives up. When it matters the most, he's focused and he plays his best tennis. He's a great fighter." "What he did was amazing, he showed me he's one of the best players of all time," added Djokovic. Novak Djokovic defeated Milos Raonic 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) in the quarterfinals match to reach the semifinals. Match will take place at Rod-Laver Arena at 2:00 PM (IST).

Australian Open: Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to spar for 50th time in star-studded semifinal clash

<p>Defending champion Novak Djokovic easily beat Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Thursday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2020-dominic-thiem-beats-rafael-nadal-to-enter-semi-finals-277380">Australian Open 2020: Dominic Thiem beats Rafael Nadal to enter semi-finals</a></p>

<p>Djokovic beat Federer in straight sets 7-6(7-1), 6-4, 6-3 to enter the finals of the tournament.</p>

<p>Djokovic kept Federer at bay throughout the match and although served lesser aces than the Swiss (15 against 11), the Serb held on to win the match effortlessly in the end.</p>

<p>Djokovic broke Federer on four occasions to clinch the three sets even as Federer failed to keep pace with the Serbian champion.</p>

<p>"It's never easy to play Roger. I mean, obviously he was hurting. You could see it in his movement. Respect to him for trying his best," Djokovic said after winning the match.</p>

<p>"After losing the first set, he got a medical (timeout). He came back and played all the way through. It's unfortunate that he was not at his best," the defending champion said.</p>

<p>This was the duo's fiftieth&nbsp;clash. Federer, 38, had beaten 100th-ranked Tennys Sandgren on Tuesday at Melbourne Park to set up a clash against Djokovic.</p>

<p>"Today was horrible, to go through what I did. Nice entrance, nice sendoff, and in between is one to forget because you know you have a three per cent chance to win,"&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's frustrating. (But) I don't think I would have gone on court if I felt like I had no chance to win. We saw I was still being able to make a match out of it," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seven-time Australian Open champion Djokovic who has been in fine form had beaten Milos Raonic 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) in the quarter-finals.</p>


Defending champion Novak Djokovic easily beat Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Thursday. Australian Open 2020: Dominic Thiem beats Rafael Nadal to enter semi-finals Djokovic beat Federer in straight sets 7-6(7-1), 6-4, 6-3 to enter the finals of the tournament.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic easily beat Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Thursday. Australian Open 2020: Dominic Thiem beats Rafael Nadal to enter semi-finals Djokovic beat Federer in straight sets 7-6(7-1), 6-4, 6-3 to enter the finals of the tournament. Djokovic kept Federer at bay throughout the match and although served lesser aces than the Swiss (15 against 11), the Serb held on to win the match effortlessly in the end. Djokovic broke Federer on four occasions to clinch the three sets even as Federer failed to keep pace with the Serbian champion. "It's never easy to play Roger. I mean, obviously he was hurting. You could see it in his movement. Respect to him for trying his best," Djokovic said after winning the match. "After losing the first set, he got a medical (timeout). He came back and played all the way through. It's unfortunate that he was not at his best," the defending champion said. This was the duo's fiftieth clash. Federer, 38, had beaten 100th-ranked Tennys Sandgren on Tuesday at Melbourne Park to set up a clash against Djokovic. "Today was horrible, to go through what I did. Nice entrance, nice sendoff, and in between is one to forget because you know you have a three per cent chance to win," Federer said. "It's frustrating. (But) I don't think I would have gone on court if I felt like I had no chance to win. We saw I was still being able to make a match out of it," he added. Seven-time Australian Open champion Djokovic who has been in fine form had beaten Milos Raonic 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) in the quarter-finals.

Djokovic overpowers Federer to enter Australian Open final

<p>Defending champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/defending-champion-djokovic-breezes-into-quarter-finals-276626">Novak Djokovic </a>set up a semi-final showdown with 'Big Three' rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-stages-great-escape-to-reach-australian-open-semis-277034">Roger Federer</a> at the Australian Open on Tuesday with a thumping 6-4 6-3 7-6(1) victory over Canada's hapless <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-raonic-withdraws-from-canadas-davis-cup-team-261552">Milos Raonic</a>.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Serbian sensation 🇷🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> def. Milos Raonic 6-4 6-3 7-6(1) to advance to his eighth <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> semifinal, where he will meet Roger Federer for the 50th time. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/ElT6H9jDAE">pic.twitter.com/ElT6H9jDAE</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1222122348507254785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-stages-great-escape-to-reach-australian-open-semis-277034">Federer</a> had saved seven match points in a five-set thriller with American battler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-stages-great-escape-to-reach-australian-open-semis-277034">Tennys Sandgren</a> only hours before but there was no such luck of a second successive belter for the fans at Rod Laver Arena, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/defending-champion-djokovic-breezes-into-quarter-finals-276626">Djokovic</a> at his ruthless best.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Federer finds a way 🇨🇭<a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> saves seven match points to def. Tennys Sandgren 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6(8) 6-3 and reach the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> semifinals for the 15th time.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/B3Biy3q1Ez">pic.twitter.com/B3Biy3q1Ez</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1222064026081013762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The crowd will hope for a better show on Thursday, when second seed Djokovic renews his Grand Slam rivalry with Federer, six months after fighting off match points to beat the Swiss in Wimbledon's longest ever final.</p>

<p>"I hope I get to at least one match point in a few days," Djokovic, who hold a 26-23 edge over Federer, quipped on court after downing Raonic.</p>

<p>"Obviously (I have) tremendous respect for Roger, everything he has achieved in the sport -- definitely one of the all-time greats.</p>

<p>"Let the better player win."</p>

<p>The floodlit match with&nbsp;Raonic, one of the tour's most vexing servers, against one of its most brilliant returners had promised, at the least, an intriguing clash of styles.</p>

<p>Yet, barring a third set lull for Djokovic as he struggled with his contact lenses, it was a stroll for the second seeded Serb who dismantled the Canadian's power game to book the eighth semi-final at his Melbourne Park fortress.</p>


Defending champion Novak Djokovic set up a semi-final showdown with 'Big Three' rival Roger Federer at the Australian Open on Tuesday with a thumping 6-4 6-3 7-6(1) victory over Canada's hapless Milos Raonic.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic set up a semi-final showdown with 'Big Three' rival Roger Federer at the Australian Open on Tuesday with a thumping 6-4 6-3 7-6(1) victory over Canada's hapless Milos Raonic. Serbian sensation 🇷🇸@DjokerNole def. Milos Raonic 6-4 6-3 7-6(1) to advance to his eighth #AusOpen semifinal, where he will meet Roger Federer for the 50th time. #AO2020 pic.twitter.com/ElT6H9jDAE — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2020 × Federer had saved seven match points in a five-set thriller with American battler Tennys Sandgren only hours before but there was no such luck of a second successive belter for the fans at Rod Laver Arena, with Djokovic at his ruthless best. Federer finds a way 🇨🇭@rogerfederer saves seven match points to def. Tennys Sandgren 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6(8) 6-3 and reach the #AusOpen semifinals for the 15th time.#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/B3Biy3q1Ez — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2020 × The crowd will hope for a better show on Thursday, when second seed Djokovic renews his Grand Slam rivalry with Federer, six months after fighting off match points to beat the Swiss in Wimbledon's longest ever final. "I hope I get to at least one match point in a few days," Djokovic, who hold a 26-23 edge over Federer, quipped on court after downing Raonic. "Obviously (I have) tremendous respect for Roger, everything he has achieved in the sport -- definitely one of the all-time greats. "Let the better player win." The floodlit match with Raonic, one of the tour's most vexing servers, against one of its most brilliant returners had promised, at the least, an intriguing clash of styles. Yet, barring a third set lull for Djokovic as he struggled with his contact lenses, it was a stroll for the second seeded Serb who dismantled the Canadian's power game to book the eighth semi-final at his Melbourne Park fortress.

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic sets up Federer showdown after Milos Raonic rout

<p>Roger Federer pulled off one of the greatest escapes of his career Tuesday, saving seven match points to come from two sets down and beat Tennys Sandgren for a place in the Australian Open semi-finals.</p>

<p><strong>Also read-&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-rafa-nadal-impressed-with-kyrgios-performance-spaniard-moves-to-round-four-276972">Australian Open: Rafa Nadal 'impressed' with Kyrgios performance, Spaniard moves to round four</a></p>

<p>In a drama-packed match, the normally ice-cool Swiss was slapped with a coded warning for swearing and needed a rare medical timeout for a groin injury before winning 6-3, 2-6, 2-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-3.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⛷or 🎾?<a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> might need to rethink his priorities 😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/MnKdiI4eH0">pic.twitter.com/MnKdiI4eH0</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1222067877911592960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The six-time champion's reward is a showdown against either long-time rival Novak Djokovic or big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic.</p>

<p>"I don't deserve this one, but I'm standing here and obviously very happy," said Federer, 38, who became the oldest man in 43 years to make the last four at Melbourne Park after Ken Rosewall.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I think I got incredibly lucky."<br />
<br />
Luck or not, here's how <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> assessed his performance to advance to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> semifinals.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/MK8UDBxT9o">pic.twitter.com/MK8UDBxT9o</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1222065283575287808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I just said (to myself while losing), I believe in miracles," he added.</p>

<p>"I got incredibly tonight, today -- I don't even&nbsp;know what time it is. I'm lucky to be here and might as well make the most of it (in the semis)."</p>

<p>The victory was his 102nd at Melbourne Park, surpassing his tally at Wimbledon to make the Australian Open his most successful Slam in terms of matches won.</p>

<p>In two decades of playing the Australian Open, he had never lost to a player ranked as low as Sandgren's 100 since 54th-ranked Arnaud Clement beat him way back in 2000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the unheralded American was always going to be a danger to the 20-time Grand Slam winner, having already beaten eighth seed Matteo Berrettini and 12th seed Fabio Fognini.</p>

<p>And he gave the Swiss star a massive scare.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Federer finds a way 🇨🇭<a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> saves seven match points to def. Tennys Sandgren 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6(8) 6-3 and reach the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> semifinals for the 15th time.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/B3Biy3q1Ez">pic.twitter.com/B3Biy3q1Ez</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1222064026081013762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Both players fought off break points against their opening service games as they sized each other up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it was only a matter of time before Federer broke and it came in the sixth game as he began figuring out Sandgren's game, forcing errors as he took the set.</p>

<p>But Sandgren wasn't ready to surrender, breaking Federer for a 2-0 lead in the second when the world number three sent an overhead long.</p>

<p>The composed American broke again with Federer's touch abandoning him, sending down 15 unforced errors.</p>

<p>Playing in the mid-afternoon sun, he continued to struggle in the third, broken in his opening service game with the crowd stunned into silence.</p>

<p>Federer was rattled. He worked three break points when 2-0 down and when Sandgren saved two of them, the Swiss was warned for an audible obscenity, reported by the line judge after he dropped an f-bomb.</p>

<p>The normally unflappable star confronted the umpire and then lost three more points, again having words with the official before calling for a physio and taking a near nine-minute medical timeout.</p>

<p>Federer returned to hold serve but his movement was hampered and he never threatened, losing the set with another 15 unforced errors.</p>

<p>He grimly hung on in the fourth set, saving three match points at 5-4 and it went to a tiebreaker where more drama was in store as a ballkid collided with Sandgren at the changeover.</p>

<p>Federer incredibly saved another four match points before winning the tiebreak 10-8, sending the crowd into a frenzy.</p>

<p>His confidence sky-high, he rolled through the deciding set for a famous victory to reach the Melbourne semis for a 15th time.</p>


Roger Federer pulled off one of the greatest escapes of his career Tuesday, saving seven match points to come from two sets down and beat Tennys Sandgren for a place in the Australian Open semi-finals.

Roger Federer pulled off one of the greatest escapes of his career Tuesday, saving seven match points to come from two sets down and beat Tennys Sandgren for a place in the Australian Open semi-finals. Also read- Australian Open: Rafa Nadal 'impressed' with Kyrgios performance, Spaniard moves to round four In a drama-packed match, the normally ice-cool Swiss was slapped with a coded warning for swearing and needed a rare medical timeout for a groin injury before winning 6-3, 2-6, 2-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-3. ⛷or 🎾?@rogerfederer might need to rethink his priorities 😂#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/MnKdiI4eH0 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2020 × The six-time champion's reward is a showdown against either long-time rival Novak Djokovic or big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic. "I don't deserve this one, but I'm standing here and obviously very happy," said Federer, 38, who became the oldest man in 43 years to make the last four at Melbourne Park after Ken Rosewall. "I think I got incredibly lucky." Luck or not, here's how @rogerfederer assessed his performance to advance to the #AO2020 semifinals.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/MK8UDBxT9o — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2020 × "I just said (to myself while losing), I believe in miracles," he added. "I got incredibly tonight, today -- I don't even know what time it is. I'm lucky to be here and might as well make the most of it (in the semis)." The victory was his 102nd at Melbourne Park, surpassing his tally at Wimbledon to make the Australian Open his most successful Slam in terms of matches won. In two decades of playing the Australian Open, he had never lost to a player ranked as low as Sandgren's 100 since 54th-ranked Arnaud Clement beat him way back in 2000. But the unheralded American was always going to be a danger to the 20-time Grand Slam winner, having already beaten eighth seed Matteo Berrettini and 12th seed Fabio Fognini. And he gave the Swiss star a massive scare. Federer finds a way 🇨🇭@rogerfederer saves seven match points to def. Tennys Sandgren 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6(8) 6-3 and reach the #AusOpen semifinals for the 15th time.#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/B3Biy3q1Ez — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2020 × Both players fought off break points against their opening service games as they sized each other up. But it was only a matter of time before Federer broke and it came in the sixth game as he began figuring out Sandgren's game, forcing errors as he took the set. But Sandgren wasn't ready to surrender, breaking Federer for a 2-0 lead in the second when the world number three sent an overhead long. The composed American broke again with Federer's touch abandoning him, sending down 15 unforced errors. Playing in the mid-afternoon sun, he continued to struggle in the third, broken in his opening service game with the crowd stunned into silence. Federer was rattled. He worked three break points when 2-0 down and when Sandgren saved two of them, the Swiss was warned for an audible obscenity, reported by the line judge after he dropped an f-bomb. The normally unflappable star confronted the umpire and then lost three more points, again having words with the official before calling for a physio and taking a near nine-minute medical timeout. Federer returned to hold serve but his movement was hampered and he never threatened, losing the set with another 15 unforced errors. He grimly hung on in the fourth set, saving three match points at 5-4 and it went to a tiebreaker where more drama was in store as a ballkid collided with Sandgren at the changeover. Federer incredibly saved another four match points before winning the tiebreak 10-8, sending the crowd into a frenzy. His confidence sky-high, he rolled through the deciding set for a famous victory to reach the Melbourne semis for a 15th time.

Federer stages great escape to reach Australian Open semis

<p>Roger Federer flicked a switch after losing the opening set to crush Marton Fucsovics and book a record 15th Australian Open quarter-final on Sunday, with unheralded American Tennys Sandgren his next hurdle.</p>

<p>The Swiss master took time to work out the Hungarian but when he did it was one-way traffic, romping to a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 victory on Rod Laver Arena to edge closer to a seventh Melbourne title and 21st Grand Slam crown.</p>

<p>Awaiting him in the last eight on Tuesday is the 100th-ranked Sandgren, who upset 12th-seeded Italian Fabio Fognini over four intense sets.</p>

<p>"It was a tough start, Marton played very clean," said Federer, who is into his 15th Melbourne quarter-final, surpassing John Newcombe's 14.</p>

<p>It will be also be his 57th appearance in the last eight at Grand Slams. No one else is close, with Novak Djokovic next in line on 46.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-and-zverev-mexico-city-match-breaks-world-attendance-record-264207">Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev exhibition match breaks world attendance record</a></strong></p>

<p>"It just took me some time, I tried to mix it up a bit and just had to figure it out. From the beginning of the second set it got a little bit easier," he added.</p>

<p>Sandgren, a devout Christian, achieved his best Grand Slam result at Melbourne Park by reaching the last eight in 2018, but it was overshadowed by a row over his political views and links to right-wing activists.</p>

<p>He has put the controversy behind him and shown battling qualities to make the last eight again, and said he was relishing the chance to play an all-time great.</p>

<p>"It will be very special, very special. To play him on a big stage like quarters of a Slam would be a ton of fun really," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pair have never met before, as Federer noted: "I've played a lot of tennis in my life but never against Tennys."</p>

<p><strong>Millman epic</strong></p>

<p>The ageless Federer was pushed to a gruelling five sets by John Millman in round three, but showed no signs of tiredness against Fucsovics despite being 38.</p>

<p>Both players took time to feel each other out and it went with serve to 3-3 before the Hungarian grabbed the first break on the back of some high quality service returns.</p>

<p>The unheralded 27-year-old, ranked 67, looked composed, with his power and aggressive forehand unsettling Federer and he held his nerve to grab the set -- the first he had ever taken off the Swiss.</p>

<p>Undaunted, Federer kept has cool, started to find Fucsovic's weaknesses and dictate the points, earning a break to go 2-0 ahead in the second set.</p>

<p>He didn't let up as the Hungarian struggled to stay in touch, broken again as the tide turned and normal business resumed for the Swiss great.</p>

<p>Fucsovics, who was attempting to become the first player from his country to make the Melbourne quarters, was shellshocked as Federer turned on the style.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He raced to a double break lead in the third with some brilliant passing shots and there was no way back for a player who came into the match in decent form, winning his three previous matches without dropping a set.</p>

<p>Federer, who could face Djokovic in the semi-finals if he gets past Sandgren, wrapped it up in 2hrs 11mins, almost two hours less than his third-round epic against Millman.</p>


Roger Federer flicked a switch after losing the opening set to crush Marton Fucsovics and book a record 15th Australian Open quarter-final on Sunday, with unheralded American Tennys Sandgren his next hurdle.

Roger Federer flicked a switch after losing the opening set to crush Marton Fucsovics and book a record 15th Australian Open quarter-final on Sunday, with unheralded American Tennys Sandgren his next hurdle. The Swiss master took time to work out the Hungarian but when he did it was one-way traffic, romping to a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 victory on Rod Laver Arena to edge closer to a seventh Melbourne title and 21st Grand Slam crown. Awaiting him in the last eight on Tuesday is the 100th-ranked Sandgren, who upset 12th-seeded Italian Fabio Fognini over four intense sets. "It was a tough start, Marton played very clean," said Federer, who is into his 15th Melbourne quarter-final, surpassing John Newcombe's 14. It will be also be his 57th appearance in the last eight at Grand Slams. No one else is close, with Novak Djokovic next in line on 46. Also read: Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev exhibition match breaks world attendance record "It just took me some time, I tried to mix it up a bit and just had to figure it out. From the beginning of the second set it got a little bit easier," he added. Sandgren, a devout Christian, achieved his best Grand Slam result at Melbourne Park by reaching the last eight in 2018, but it was overshadowed by a row over his political views and links to right-wing activists. He has put the controversy behind him and shown battling qualities to make the last eight again, and said he was relishing the chance to play an all-time great. "It will be very special, very special. To play him on a big stage like quarters of a Slam would be a ton of fun really," he said. The pair have never met before, as Federer noted: "I've played a lot of tennis in my life but never against Tennys." Millman epic The ageless Federer was pushed to a gruelling five sets by John Millman in round three, but showed no signs of tiredness against Fucsovics despite being 38. Both players took time to feel each other out and it went with serve to 3-3 before the Hungarian grabbed the first break on the back of some high quality service returns. The unheralded 27-year-old, ranked 67, looked composed, with his power and aggressive forehand unsettling Federer and he held his nerve to grab the set -- the first he had ever taken off the Swiss. Undaunted, Federer kept has cool, started to find Fucsovic's weaknesses and dictate the points, earning a break to go 2-0 ahead in the second set. He didn't let up as the Hungarian struggled to stay in touch, broken again as the tide turned and normal business resumed for the Swiss great. Fucsovics, who was attempting to become the first player from his country to make the Melbourne quarters, was shellshocked as Federer turned on the style. He raced to a double break lead in the third with some brilliant passing shots and there was no way back for a player who came into the match in decent form, winning his three previous matches without dropping a set. Federer, who could face Djokovic in the semi-finals if he gets past Sandgren, wrapped it up in 2hrs 11mins, almost two hours less than his third-round epic against Millman.

Federer roars into record 15th Australian Open quarter-final

<p>Third seed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-nadal-and-federer-pledge-a250000-towards-relief-workers-in-charity-event-274432">Roger&nbsp;Federer</a>&nbsp;hit winners at will in an imperious display as he cantered into the third round of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/emotional-wozniacki-stays-alive-in-australian-open-swansong-275902">Australian Open</a> with a 6-1 6-4 6-1 thumping of Serbian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coco-crunch-for-osaka-as-djokovic-bowls-over-wildcard-275901">Filip Krajinovic</a> on Wednesday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">2️⃣1️⃣ / 2️⃣1️⃣<a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> maintains his peRFect record of having always reached the third round at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a>, def. Filip Krajinovic 6-1 6-4 6-1.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/852qUhDFUr">pic.twitter.com/852qUhDFUr</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1219945900258353152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Starting his second-round match at around 2100 local time on Rod Laver Arena, the six-time champion appeared to be in a hurry to finish the contest, breaking his opponent's serve twice in the first two sets and thrice in the third.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-nadal-djokovic-and-federer-go-through-first-round-rain-plays-spoil-spot-275705"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Australian Open: Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer go through first round, rain plays spoil sport</strong></a></p>

<p>Krajinovic took a medical timeout to have his right upper arm attended with&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;leading 2-1 in the third set but it made no difference to the momentum for the 20-times Grand Slam champion, who hit his 42nd winner to end the contest in a little over 90 minutes.</p>

<p>He breezed through the next four games and hit a crosscourt forehand winner - his 42nd of the night - to end the contest in a little over 90 minutes.</p>

<p>Krajinovic's first outing against a top-five player at a Grand Slam ended up being a forgettable occasion.</p>

<p>The 41st-ranked player had his first-round match against Quentin Halys postponed due to rain on Monday and faced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-federer-and-williams-lead-way-to-raise-funds-for-relief-workers-in-australia-273899">Federer&nbsp;</a>after needing almost four hours to battle past the French qualifier in five sets on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-nadal-and-federer-pledge-a250000-towards-relief-workers-in-charity-event-274432">Australian Open: Nadal, Federer pledge A$250,000 towards bushfire relief</a></strong></p>

<p>"I thought it wasn't 100% fair that he played three-and-a-half hours yesterday and me zero,"&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;said in an on-court interview. "The rain helped me. I do feel a little bit sorry actually like this but you have to take advantage of it."</p>

<p>Krajinovic's first serve percentage in the first two sets was almost 90%, which&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;called "rare". But it had no impact on the outcome of the match.</p>

<p>Unlike his main rivals,&nbsp;Federer, who won his last major title in 2018 at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/second-seed-pliskova-starts-melbourne-title-tilt-with-win-275707">Melbourne</a> Park, opted out of the inaugural <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-and-nadal-rally-for-merger-of-atp-cup-and-davis-cup-271915">ATP Cup</a> in Australia to spend more time with his family before launching his 22nd season on Tour.</p>

<p>"I prefer this much more than (being) overcooked,"&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;told reporters. "As easy as it looks, there's always the effort, trying to extend the lead.</p>

<p>"Of course, it's not quite the same stress level if you're down a set or a break or two sets, whatever it may be. I prefer it this way because you have always extra left in the tank if you need it."</p>

<p>Next up for&nbsp;Federer, who was broken only once in the match, will be a meeting against local hope <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-delivers-glory-for-spain-as-davis-cup-starts-new-era-264332">John Millman</a>&nbsp;who beat him in four sets at the 2018 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/worst-brawl-opens-in-kansas-game-in-national-collegiate-athletic-associations-basketball-match-275896">US&nbsp;Open.</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In a rematch of the 4R at the 2018 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOpen</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> will meet Aussie <a href="https://twitter.com/johnhmillman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@johnhmillman</a> in the third round at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a>.<br />
<br />
Here's what the World No.3 had to say 🔊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/gUjMvKU1cB">pic.twitter.com/gUjMvKU1cB</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1219948752150171648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"He's a super good guy, unbelievably tough opponent,"&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;said. "There are not many fitter guys than him out there and those are the guys I respect the most, actually.</p>

<p>"He gets absolutely the most out of the game and I hope it is going to be a great match with some great rallies."</p>


Third seed Roger Federer hit winners at will in an imperious display as he cantered into the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-1 6-4 6-1 thumping of Serbian Filip Krajinovic on Wednesday.

Third seed Roger Federer hit winners at will in an imperious display as he cantered into the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-1 6-4 6-1 thumping of Serbian Filip Krajinovic on Wednesday. 2️⃣1️⃣ / 2️⃣1️⃣@rogerfederer maintains his peRFect record of having always reached the third round at the #AusOpen, def. Filip Krajinovic 6-1 6-4 6-1.#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/852qUhDFUr — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2020 × Starting his second-round match at around 2100 local time on Rod Laver Arena, the six-time champion appeared to be in a hurry to finish the contest, breaking his opponent's serve twice in the first two sets and thrice in the third. Also read: Australian Open: Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer go through first round, rain plays spoil sport Krajinovic took a medical timeout to have his right upper arm attended with Federer leading 2-1 in the third set but it made no difference to the momentum for the 20-times Grand Slam champion, who hit his 42nd winner to end the contest in a little over 90 minutes. He breezed through the next four games and hit a crosscourt forehand winner - his 42nd of the night - to end the contest in a little over 90 minutes. Krajinovic's first outing against a top-five player at a Grand Slam ended up being a forgettable occasion. The 41st-ranked player had his first-round match against Quentin Halys postponed due to rain on Monday and faced Federer after needing almost four hours to battle past the French qualifier in five sets on Tuesday. Also read: Australian Open: Nadal, Federer pledge A$250,000 towards bushfire relief "I thought it wasn't 100% fair that he played three-and-a-half hours yesterday and me zero," Federer said in an on-court interview. "The rain helped me. I do feel a little bit sorry actually like this but you have to take advantage of it." Krajinovic's first serve percentage in the first two sets was almost 90%, which Federer called "rare". But it had no impact on the outcome of the match. Unlike his main rivals, Federer, who won his last major title in 2018 at Melbourne Park, opted out of the inaugural ATP Cup in Australia to spend more time with his family before launching his 22nd season on Tour. "I prefer this much more than (being) overcooked," Federer told reporters. "As easy as it looks, there's always the effort, trying to extend the lead. "Of course, it's not quite the same stress level if you're down a set or a break or two sets, whatever it may be. I prefer it this way because you have always extra left in the tank if you need it." Next up for Federer, who was broken only once in the match, will be a meeting against local hope John Millman who beat him in four sets at the 2018 US Open. In a rematch of the 4R at the 2018 #USOpen, @rogerfederer will meet Aussie @johnhmillman in the third round at #AO2020. Here's what the World No.3 had to say 🔊#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/gUjMvKU1cB — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2020 × "He's a super good guy, unbelievably tough opponent," Federer said. "There are not many fitter guys than him out there and those are the guys I respect the most, actually. "He gets absolutely the most out of the game and I hope it is going to be a great match with some great rallies."

Federer sweeps past Krajinovic into third round in Australian Open

<p>Australian Open was hit on Monday by morning showers which suspended the play just hours after they were started.&nbsp;</p>

<p>World No 3 Roger Federer was dominant in the first round as he beat World No 75 Steve Johnson. The play was interrupted by rain but the play resumed and Federer in a breathtaking display beat the American 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ICYMI 6-time champ <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> kicked off his 22nd consecutive <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> campaign with a speedy 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory<br />
<br />
Match report 👉<a href="https://t.co/CSdsXRRCCx">https://t.co/CSdsXRRCCx</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/b4xY8zjvFq">pic.twitter.com/b4xY8zjvFq</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1219277149938438144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Swiss continued his streak of being unbeaten in the first round in Melbourne (21-0).&nbsp;</p>

<p>World No 2 Novak Djokovic survived a minor scare against Jan-Lennard Struff on Monday night. He beat Struff 7-6 (5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 at Rod Laver Arena to begin his journey for eight Australian Open title. The defending champion has become the sixth man to win 900 tour-level matches.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Green means GO.<br />
<br />
Bidding for a record-extending eighth <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> title, <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> recorded the 900th tour-level victory of his career with a 7-6(5) 6-2 2-6 6-1 win over Jan-Lennard Struff on Day 1 👏<br />
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Match report 👉 <a href="https://t.co/sLA4SG8gp8">https://t.co/sLA4SG8gp8</a> <a href="https://t.co/7MeHxqnwAS">pic.twitter.com/7MeHxqnwAS</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1219323992395407361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Tuesday, the weather is predicted to be clear and sunny. The matches are predicted to get through in the afternoon.</p>

<p>World No 1 Rafael Nadal started his campaign after displaying his dominance over Bolivia's Hugo Dellien. The Spaniard moved a step closer to his 20th Grand Slam after beating Hugo 6-2, 6-3, 6-0.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The mentality of a legend 💯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/IeQxpbmXXk">pic.twitter.com/IeQxpbmXXk</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1219516577306927104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nadal will face the winner of Argentine Federico Delbonis and Portuguese Joao Sousa in the next round.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rafa Rolls 🏃‍♂️<a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> fends off a valiant effort from Dellien and slams the door 6-2 6-3 6-0.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> |<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/s5svPwjzFE">pic.twitter.com/s5svPwjzFE</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1219496114275213312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>His fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta battled past Slovakian Jozef Kovalik 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(2), the match went on for two hours and 37 minutes. World No 27 smashed 41 winners to proceed to the next round.</p>

<p>Weather Forcast on Wednesday and Thursday is scaring as heavy showers are predicted in Melbourne. Play suspension could spoil the highly anticipated Grand Slam.&nbsp;</p>


Australian Open was hit on Monday by morning showers which suspended the play just hours after they were started. World No 3 Roger Federer was dominant in the first round as he beat World No 75 Steve Johnson.

Australian Open was hit on Monday by morning showers which suspended the play just hours after they were started. World No 3 Roger Federer was dominant in the first round as he beat World No 75 Steve Johnson. The play was interrupted by rain but the play resumed and Federer in a breathtaking display beat the American 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. ICYMI 6-time champ @rogerfederer kicked off his 22nd consecutive #AusOpen campaign with a speedy 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory Match report 👉https://t.co/CSdsXRRCCx#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/b4xY8zjvFq — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2020 × The Swiss continued his streak of being unbeaten in the first round in Melbourne (21-0). World No 2 Novak Djokovic survived a minor scare against Jan-Lennard Struff on Monday night. He beat Struff 7-6 (5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 at Rod Laver Arena to begin his journey for eight Australian Open title. The defending champion has become the sixth man to win 900 tour-level matches. Green means GO. Bidding for a record-extending eighth #AusOpen title, @DjokerNole recorded the 900th tour-level victory of his career with a 7-6(5) 6-2 2-6 6-1 win over Jan-Lennard Struff on Day 1 👏 Match report 👉 https://t.co/sLA4SG8gp8 pic.twitter.com/7MeHxqnwAS — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2020 × On Tuesday, the weather is predicted to be clear and sunny. The matches are predicted to get through in the afternoon. World No 1 Rafael Nadal started his campaign after displaying his dominance over Bolivia's Hugo Dellien. The Spaniard moved a step closer to his 20th Grand Slam after beating Hugo 6-2, 6-3, 6-0. The mentality of a legend 💯#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/IeQxpbmXXk — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2020 × Nadal will face the winner of Argentine Federico Delbonis and Portuguese Joao Sousa in the next round. Rafa Rolls 🏃‍♂️@RafaelNadal fends off a valiant effort from Dellien and slams the door 6-2 6-3 6-0.#AO2020 |#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/s5svPwjzFE — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2020 × His fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta battled past Slovakian Jozef Kovalik 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(2), the match went on for two hours and 37 minutes. World No 27 smashed 41 winners to proceed to the next round. Weather Forcast on Wednesday and Thursday is scaring as heavy showers are predicted in Melbourne. Play suspension could spoil the highly anticipated Grand Slam.

Australian Open: Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer go through first round, rain plays spoil spot

<p>Ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, world no-1 Rafael Nadal and world no-3 Roger Federer pledged A$250,000 towards the Australian bushfire relief efforts. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also see-&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-federer-and-williams-lead-way-to-raise-funds-for-relief-workers-in-australia-273899">Tennis: Federer, Williams lead way to raise funds for workers in Australia bushfires</a></p>

<p>Nadal announced about the donations in&nbsp;the "Rally for Relief" event in Melbourne Park's Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also see-&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-hazardous-air-condition-causes-troubles-to-players-in-the-qualifiers-274250">Australian Open: Hazardous air condition delays matches, restarts amid haze</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Talking with Roger, we decided to give $250,000 together." 👏 👏 👏 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rally4Relief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rally4Relief</a><br />
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To contribute: <a href="https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB">https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB</a> <a href="https://t.co/ocdiw8D0if">pic.twitter.com/ocdiw8D0if</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1217378578188447745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Twenty-three times Serena Williams and Australian Open&nbsp;defending champion Novak Djokovic also took part in the event.</p>

<p><strong>Also read-&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-bushfire-shane-warnes-baggy-green-cap-sold-for-over-a1-million-273347">Australian bushfire: Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold for over A$1 million; beats Dhoni, Bradman</a></p>

<p>Rafa Nadal, after the exhibition match, said: "Hopefully that will keep inspiring the people to support this terrible disaster that we’re going through and helps to recover all the things that we need,”.</p>

<p>Australia is experiencing one of its worst bushfire seasons in decades, with fires killing more than 28 people and destroying at least 2000 homes. Wildlife in&nbsp;Australia in the worst hit, nearly half a billion animals have perished in the bushfires.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Australian Open's qualifiers were disrupted for the second successive day because of the thick grey hazy in the morning due to the smoke of the bushfire. This was followed by smog-clearing rain.</p>

<p>The ATP &nbsp;pledged A$750,000 to the WWF Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts the as announced by Novak Djokovic and Nadal.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@atptour</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> for your generous donation of $750,000 to World Wildlife Fund 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/roB1yMZy94">pic.twitter.com/roB1yMZy94</a></p>
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisTV/status/1216367121443311617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Serena Williams had pledged to donate all of her winning amounts after she won the Auckland Open. She won $43,000</p>

<p>The 24-year-old Australian Nick Kyrgios has pledged A$200 for every ace he hits this month. Nick Kyrgios hit the most aces (69) in the ATP cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the year. The tournament will be played between January 20 to February 2.</p>


Ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, world no-1 Rafael Nadal and world no-3 Roger Federer pledged A$250,000 towards the Australian bushfire relief efforts.

Ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, world no-1 Rafael Nadal and world no-3 Roger Federer pledged A$250,000 towards the Australian bushfire relief efforts. Also see- Tennis: Federer, Williams lead way to raise funds for workers in Australia bushfires Nadal announced about the donations in the "Rally for Relief" event in Melbourne Park's Rod Laver Arena. Also see- Australian Open: Hazardous air condition delays matches, restarts amid haze "Talking with Roger, we decided to give $250,000 together." 👏 👏 👏 👏#Rally4Relief To contribute: https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB pic.twitter.com/ocdiw8D0if — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2020 × Twenty-three times Serena Williams and Australian Open defending champion Novak Djokovic also took part in the event. Also read- Australian bushfire: Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold for over A$1 million; beats Dhoni, Bradman Rafa Nadal, after the exhibition match, said: "Hopefully that will keep inspiring the people to support this terrible disaster that we’re going through and helps to recover all the things that we need,”. Australia is experiencing one of its worst bushfire seasons in decades, with fires killing more than 28 people and destroying at least 2000 homes. Wildlife in Australia in the worst hit, nearly half a billion animals have perished in the bushfires. × Australian Open's qualifiers were disrupted for the second successive day because of the thick grey hazy in the morning due to the smoke of the bushfire. This was followed by smog-clearing rain. The ATP pledged A$750,000 to the WWF Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts the as announced by Novak Djokovic and Nadal. Thank you @atptour, @DjokerNole and @RafaelNadal for your generous donation of $750,000 to World Wildlife Fund 🙏#ATPCup pic.twitter.com/roB1yMZy94 — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 12, 2020 × Serena Williams had pledged to donate all of her winning amounts after she won the Auckland Open. She won $43,000 The 24-year-old Australian Nick Kyrgios has pledged A$200 for every ace he hits this month. Nick Kyrgios hit the most aces (69) in the ATP cup. The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the year. The tournament will be played between January 20 to February 2.

Australian Open: Nadal, Federer pledge A$250,000 towards bushfire relief

<p>The whole tennis world is coming together to help the relief workers in Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Serena Williams, incredible gesture towards Australian Bushfire after winning the Auckland Open, where she donated the entire winning amount (US$43,000) to the relief efforts seems to have struck a chord.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wta-auckland-open-williams-breaks-three-year-title-drought-to-win-273787">WTA Auckland Open: Williams breaks three-year title drought to win</a></p>

<p>She will also auction the clothes that she wore throughout the competition with her autograph on it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bushfire-cricket-bash-ricky-ponting-and-shane-warne-to-come-out-of-retirement-to-raise-funds-273874">Bushfire Cricket Bash: Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne to come out of retirement to raise funds</a></p>

<p>World number 3, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../federer-and-zverev-mexico-city-match-breaks- world-attendance-record-264207">Roger Federer</a>, said he would donate to the Australia bushfires appeal on Monday after tennis players pledged hundreds of thousands of dollars to the disaster relief fund.</p>

<p>The Swiss great, who has been criticized by environmental activists including Greta Thunberg over a sponsor's links to fossil fuel investments, said he would donate at a charity match on Wednesday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Since 2016 <a href="https://twitter.com/CreditSuisse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CreditSuisse</a> has provided $57 BILLION&nbsp;to companies looking for new fossil fuel deposits - something that is utterly incompatible with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateAction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateAction</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerFederer</a> do you endorse this? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RogerWakeUpNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RogerWakeUpNow</a> <a href="https://t.co/ED1fIvb4Cr">pic.twitter.com/ED1fIvb4Cr</a></p>
— 350.org Europe (@350Europe) <a href="https://twitter.com/350Europe/status/1214843923329363970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"If anyone can chip in, that's great because it's nice to show solidarity and help in a situation, which has become quite incredible in this country," Federer, 38, said at a publicity event in Melbourne.</p>

<p>"We need to look for prevention in the future, that this doesn't happen to this extent again because there will always be fires as I understand. This country is much, much too big," added the world number three.</p>

<p>Federer, Serena Williams, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../nadals-spain-to-meet-djokovics-serbia-in-atp- cup-final-273650">Rafael Nadal</a> will headline Wednesday's exhibition at Melbourne Park, which will the Australian Open Grand Slam from January 20.</p>

<p>Tennis players have been quick to respond to the bushfire crisis, which has left at least 27 people dead, burned an area the size of South Korea and prompted a surge in concern over global warming.</p>

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<p>Players on the men's tour have donated US$725,000, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) said on Sunday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you to the <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@atptour</a> players for their positive impact ❤️<br />
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A $725,000 donation was made to <a href="https://twitter.com/WWF_Australia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWF_Australia</a> and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts. <a href="https://t.co/ORfRDydzQM">pic.twitter.com/ORfRDydzQM</a></p>
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPCup/status/1216449771692363777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I'll also be making a donation personally myself on Wednesday," said Federer, a six-time winner of the Australian Open.</p>

<p>"This country has given me everything and more in the past so it's only but normal for me to help us well."</p>

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<p>Over the weekend, Federer promised to talk to his sponsors after environmentalists criticised his relationship with Credit Suisse, which they say has loaned billions of dollars to the fossil fuels industry.</p>

<p>Federer said he was "grateful to young climate activists for pushing us all to examine our behaviours" after the criticism was retweeted by Swedish teenager Thunberg, a prominent eco-warrior.</p>

<p>"I appreciate reminders of my responsibility as a private individual, as an athlete, and as an entrepreneur, and I'm committed to using this privileged position to dialogue on important issues with my sponsors," he said in a statement that was widely quoted by media.</p>

<p>(with inputs from AFP)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The whole tennis world is coming together to help the relief workers in Australia. After Serena Williams, incredible gesture towards Australian Bushfire after winning the Auckland Open, where she donated the entire winning amount (US$43,000) to the relief efforts seems to have struck a chord.

The whole tennis world is coming together to help the relief workers in Australia. After Serena Williams, incredible gesture towards Australian Bushfire after winning the Auckland Open, where she donated the entire winning amount (US$43,000) to the relief efforts seems to have struck a chord. Also read: WTA Auckland Open: Williams breaks three-year title drought to win She will also auction the clothes that she wore throughout the competition with her autograph on it. Also read: Bushfire Cricket Bash: Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne to come out of retirement to raise funds World number 3, Roger Federer, said he would donate to the Australia bushfires appeal on Monday after tennis players pledged hundreds of thousands of dollars to the disaster relief fund. The Swiss great, who has been criticized by environmental activists including Greta Thunberg over a sponsor's links to fossil fuel investments, said he would donate at a charity match on Wednesday. Since 2016 @CreditSuisse has provided $57 BILLION to companies looking for new fossil fuel deposits - something that is utterly incompatible with #ClimateAction @RogerFederer do you endorse this? #RogerWakeUpNow pic.twitter.com/ED1fIvb4Cr — 350.org Europe (@350Europe) January 8, 2020 × "If anyone can chip in, that's great because it's nice to show solidarity and help in a situation, which has become quite incredible in this country," Federer, 38, said at a publicity event in Melbourne. "We need to look for prevention in the future, that this doesn't happen to this extent again because there will always be fires as I understand. This country is much, much too big," added the world number three. Federer, Serena Williams, and Rafael Nadal will headline Wednesday's exhibition at Melbourne Park, which will the Australian Open Grand Slam from January 20. Tennis players have been quick to respond to the bushfire crisis, which has left at least 27 people dead, burned an area the size of South Korea and prompted a surge in concern over global warming. × Players on the men's tour have donated US$725,000, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) said on Sunday. Thank you to the @atptour players for their positive impact ❤️ A $725,000 donation was made to @WWF_Australia and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts. pic.twitter.com/ORfRDydzQM — ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 12, 2020 × "I'll also be making a donation personally myself on Wednesday," said Federer, a six-time winner of the Australian Open. "This country has given me everything and more in the past so it's only but normal for me to help us well." × Over the weekend, Federer promised to talk to his sponsors after environmentalists criticised his relationship with Credit Suisse, which they say has loaned billions of dollars to the fossil fuels industry. Federer said he was "grateful to young climate activists for pushing us all to examine our behaviours" after the criticism was retweeted by Swedish teenager Thunberg, a prominent eco-warrior. "I appreciate reminders of my responsibility as a private individual, as an athlete, and as an entrepreneur, and I'm committed to using this privileged position to dialogue on important issues with my sponsors," he said in a statement that was widely quoted by media. (with inputs from AFP)

Tennis: Federer, Williams lead way to raise funds for workers in Australia bushfires

<p>Broadcaster ESPN claimed a new world record for attendance at a tennis match on Saturday, with more than 42,000 people watching Germany's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../atp-finals-dominic-thiem-into-finals-with-win- over-zverev-262686">Alexander Zverev</a> go down 6-3, 4-6, 2-6 to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../atp-finals-novak-djokovics-hopes-crushed-as- roger-federer-serves-up-a-masterclass-262232">Roger Federer</a> in an exhibition match in Mexico City.</p>

<p>That smashed an almost decade-old record of 35,681 set at an exhibition game between Belgian Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams in Belgium in 2010.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5PBsE8FGOK/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">An absolute magical evening in Mexico City, Gracias to all 42’517 people that came to set a new world record. This one is for you, Viva Mexico ❤️❤️❤️❤️</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rogerfederer/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Roger Federer</a> (@rogerfederer) on <time datetime="2019-11-24T04:29:04+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 23, 2019 at 8:29pm PST</time></p>
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<p>ESPN put the exact number of fans in Mexico City’s bullring at 42,517.</p>

<p>Even before Saturday's match, Federer had announced his intention to set a new world record for attendance when he meets Rafael Nadal in an exhibition match in South Africa in February.</p>

<p>That duel will be staged at the Cape Town Stadium, which has a capacity of 55,000. It will also have the draw of a preceding doubles</p>


Broadcaster ESPN claimed a new world record for attendance at a tennis match on Saturday, with more than 42,000 people watching Germany's Alexander Zverev go down 6-3, 4-6, 2-6 to Roger Federer in an exhibition match in Mexico City.

Broadcaster ESPN claimed a new world record for attendance at a tennis match on Saturday, with more than 42,000 people watching Germany's Alexander Zverev go down 6-3, 4-6, 2-6 to Roger Federer in an exhibition match in Mexico City. That smashed an almost decade-old record of 35,681 set at an exhibition game between Belgian Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams in Belgium in 2010. View this post on Instagram An absolute magical evening in Mexico City, Gracias to all 42’517 people that came to set a new world record. This one is for you, Viva Mexico ❤️❤️❤️❤️ A post shared by Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) on Nov 23, 2019 at 8:29pm PST × ESPN put the exact number of fans in Mexico City’s bullring at 42,517. Even before Saturday's match, Federer had announced his intention to set a new world record for attendance when he meets Rafael Nadal in an exhibition match in South Africa in February. That duel will be staged at the Cape Town Stadium, which has a capacity of 55,000. It will also have the draw of a preceding doubles

Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev exhibition match breaks world attendance record

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../atp-finals-novak-djokovics-hopes-crushed-as- roger-federer-serves-up-a-masterclass-262232">Roger&nbsp;Federer</a>&nbsp;first thought about how long his playing career would last in 2009 but a decade later the 38-year-old is still going strong and says he will keeping playing until his body decides otherwise.</p>

<p>Federer&nbsp;won his last Grand Slam in January 2018 when he claimed his sixth Australian Open but the Swiss has won seven ATP titles since then, taking his career tally to 103.</p>

<p>Federer, who ended the year behind Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the world rankings, said he cannot predict when he will stop playing.</p>

<p>"My retirement will depend on my health. At the moment I do not see any reason to retire," the 20-times Grand Slam champion told reporters ahead of his exhibition matches in South America.</p>

<p>"I did not think I would play beyond 35, 36 years and here I am. I am doing well physically. I cannot predict when it will be the time to stop.</p>

<p>"I think in 2009 I questioned it for the first time. (It has been) 10 years and here I am. I'm exactly where I wanted to be at this age."</p>

<p>Federer&nbsp;is six titles shy of American Jimmy Connors' record of 109 in the Open era.</p>

<p>"With age everything gets a bit more difficult,"&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;added. "But at the same time, with experience also you can savour the moments more.</p>

<p>"I don't know how it's going to end. I hope it's just going to be somewhat emotional I guess and nice ... I just hope it's going to be good, the whole process, and not too difficult."</p>


Roger Federer first thought about how long his playing career would last in 2009 but a decade later the 38-year-old is still going strong and says he will keeping playing until his body decides otherwise.

Roger Federer first thought about how long his playing career would last in 2009 but a decade later the 38-year-old is still going strong and says he will keeping playing until his body decides otherwise. Federer won his last Grand Slam in January 2018 when he claimed his sixth Australian Open but the Swiss has won seven ATP titles since then, taking his career tally to 103. Federer, who ended the year behind Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the world rankings, said he cannot predict when he will stop playing. "My retirement will depend on my health. At the moment I do not see any reason to retire," the 20-times Grand Slam champion told reporters ahead of his exhibition matches in South America. "I did not think I would play beyond 35, 36 years and here I am. I am doing well physically. I cannot predict when it will be the time to stop. "I think in 2009 I questioned it for the first time. (It has been) 10 years and here I am. I'm exactly where I wanted to be at this age." Federer is six titles shy of American Jimmy Connors' record of 109 in the Open era. "With age everything gets a bit more difficult," Federer added. "But at the same time, with experience also you can savour the moments more. "I don't know how it's going to end. I hope it's just going to be somewhat emotional I guess and nice ... I just hope it's going to be good, the whole process, and not too difficult."

I'll stop when my body tells me to: Roger Federer

<p>Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian to win a match in ATP Finals history as he signed off with a 7-6 (3) 6-3 defeat of off-colour <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-up-against-it-after-thiem-defeat-261316">Dominic Thiem</a> at the O2 Arena on Thursday.</p>

<p>The afternoon tussle was a little flat as Thiem had already <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-probably-my-best-ever-says-thiem-after-djokovic-win-261758">sealed a place in the semi-finals</a> after group wins against Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, while Berrettini could not progress.</p>

<p>But the powerful 23-year-old Berrettini, making his debut at the tournament, produced some eye-catching tennis to make sure he heads home with a morale-boosting win.</p>

<p>The 200 ranking points and $215,000 for the group stage win capped a stunning year for Berrettini who was outside the top 50 in January but will end the season ranked eighth.</p>

<p>The only other Italians to qualify for the elite season-ender were Corrado Barazzutti in 1978 and Adriano Panatta in 1975 and neither managed to win a match.</p>

<p>Berrettini served for the first set at 5-4 after breaking the Thiem serve to love in the previous game, but a netted volley handed back the break.</p>

<p>The Italian dominated the tiebreak and grew in confidence in the second set as Thiem, suffering with a cold, failed to repeat the dazzling form he displayed when beating Djokovic in a three-set thriller on Tuesday.</p>

<p>A running backhand pass gave him a break for 4-2 in the second set and he closed out the win in dominant fashion.</p>

<p>Despite losing on Thursday, Thiem has won the group and will be joined in the semi-finals by either Djokovic or Federer who clash for the 49th time in an evening blockbuster.</p>


Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian to win a match in ATP Finals history as he signed off with a 7-6 (3) 6-3 defeat of off-colour Dominic Thiem at the O2 Arena on Thursday.

Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian to win a match in ATP Finals history as he signed off with a 7-6 (3) 6-3 defeat of off-colour Dominic Thiem at the O2 Arena on Thursday. The afternoon tussle was a little flat as Thiem had already sealed a place in the semi-finals after group wins against Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, while Berrettini could not progress. But the powerful 23-year-old Berrettini, making his debut at the tournament, produced some eye-catching tennis to make sure he heads home with a morale-boosting win. The 200 ranking points and $215,000 for the group stage win capped a stunning year for Berrettini who was outside the top 50 in January but will end the season ranked eighth. The only other Italians to qualify for the elite season-ender were Corrado Barazzutti in 1978 and Adriano Panatta in 1975 and neither managed to win a match. Berrettini served for the first set at 5-4 after breaking the Thiem serve to love in the previous game, but a netted volley handed back the break. The Italian dominated the tiebreak and grew in confidence in the second set as Thiem, suffering with a cold, failed to repeat the dazzling form he displayed when beating Djokovic in a three-set thriller on Tuesday. A running backhand pass gave him a break for 4-2 in the second set and he closed out the win in dominant fashion. Despite losing on Thursday, Thiem has won the group and will be joined in the semi-finals by either Djokovic or Federer who clash for the 49th time in an evening blockbuster.

ATP Finals: Berrettini signs off with victory over Thiem

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-eyes-djokovic-after-rebounding-against-berrettini-261773">Roger Federer</a> lit up the O2 Arena with a dazzling 6-4 6-3 defeat of Novak Djokovic to hand the Serb an early ATP Finals exit and wreck his bid to end the year ranked number one on Thursday.</p>

<p>In the 49th meeting between the two great rivals, Federer snapped a five-match losing run against Djokovic and gained some consolation for his heartbreaking Wimbledon final defeat.</p>

<p>After both men had been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-probably-my-best-ever-says-thiem-after-djokovic-win-261758">beaten by Dominic Thiem</a> earlier in the group, their eagerly-anticipated duel was a straight shoot-out to join the Austrian in the semi-finals.</p>

<p>Cheered on by the majority of the 17,000 fans in the arena, Federer produced an astonishing display of power, grace and precision and Djokovic simply had no answer.</p>

<p>Djokovic's first defeat by Federer for four years means <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-rafael-nadal-roars-back-from-brink-to-beat-medvedev-261945">Rafael Nadal</a> will end the year as world number one for the fifth time even if the Spaniard fails to reach the semi-finals.</p>

<p>Federer, Djokovic and Nadal have all achieved the feat five times. Pete Sampras managed it a record six times.</p>

<p>Nadal takes on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tsitsipas-thrashes-zverev-to-reach-atp-semis-262017">Stefanos Tsitsipas</a> in the other group on Friday and should he win and Alexander Zverev lose to Daniil Medvedev, it would set up a Nadal versus Federer semi-final.</p>

<p>Federer had played down talk of seeking revenge when asked about his impending clash with Djokovic this week, but his victory celebration showed exactly what it meant.</p>

<p>"I felt from the get-go I had good rhythm off the baseline and on the serve and that I felt like he was living dangerously if he was not going to play great tennis," Federer, who at 38 continues to mock the ageing process, told reporters.</p>

<p>"I got what I kind of expected, and it was a great feeling at the very end. The reaction showed."</p>

<p>Djokovic, who had needed to win the title to stand any chance of overhauling Nadal, said it had been a "bad match" from his side but admitted Federer had done everything right.</p>

<p>"He was the better player in all aspects," the 32-year-old said. "I have the utmost admiration for him. What he's still showing on the court is phenomenal."</p>

<p>England's soccer team was playing across the city at Wembley on Thursday, but when Federer and Djokovic share a tennis court it is always the hottest ticket in town.</p>

<p>Djokovic had reached the final on his last six appearances at the ATP's most exclusive event in London while six-time champion Federer had only once failed to reach the semi-finals in his 16 previous appearances.</p>

<p>Something had to give and from the moment second seed Djokovic double-faulted twice in the third game to invite an early break for Federer, he was never really in contention.</p>

<p>Federer was seeing the ball like a melon, timing his groundstrokes to perfection while his serve was unplayable.</p>

<p>He dropped only three points on serve in the opening set and Djokovic's only chance was that Federer would cool off.</p>

<p>Djokovic dug deep to fend off break points in the opening game of the second set, then had his one and only break point in the fourth game but Federer whipped a huge forehand into the corner before pouncing on a volley.</p>

<p>Federer was relentless and surged 0-40 ahead in the next game. Djokovic saved one break point with a backhand pass but hit a forehand long on the next.</p>

<p>With crowd roaring Federer on, the end came quickly.</p>

<p>Serving to stay in the match, Djokovic was broken to love as Federer sent a dipping backhand to his feet.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian to win a match at the ATP's year-ender, beating Thiem 7-6(3) 6-3. Despite the loss, Thiem won the group by virtue of his victory over Federer on Sunday.</p>


Roger Federer lit up the O2 Arena with a dazzling 6-4 6-3 defeat of Novak Djokovic to hand the Serb an early ATP Finals exit and wreck his bid to end the year ranked number one on Thursday.

Roger Federer lit up the O2 Arena with a dazzling 6-4 6-3 defeat of Novak Djokovic to hand the Serb an early ATP Finals exit and wreck his bid to end the year ranked number one on Thursday. In the 49th meeting between the two great rivals, Federer snapped a five-match losing run against Djokovic and gained some consolation for his heartbreaking Wimbledon final defeat. After both men had been beaten by Dominic Thiem earlier in the group, their eagerly-anticipated duel was a straight shoot-out to join the Austrian in the semi-finals. Cheered on by the majority of the 17,000 fans in the arena, Federer produced an astonishing display of power, grace and precision and Djokovic simply had no answer. Djokovic's first defeat by Federer for four years means Rafael Nadal will end the year as world number one for the fifth time even if the Spaniard fails to reach the semi-finals. Federer, Djokovic and Nadal have all achieved the feat five times. Pete Sampras managed it a record six times. Nadal takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas in the other group on Friday and should he win and Alexander Zverev lose to Daniil Medvedev, it would set up a Nadal versus Federer semi-final. Federer had played down talk of seeking revenge when asked about his impending clash with Djokovic this week, but his victory celebration showed exactly what it meant. "I felt from the get-go I had good rhythm off the baseline and on the serve and that I felt like he was living dangerously if he was not going to play great tennis," Federer, who at 38 continues to mock the ageing process, told reporters. "I got what I kind of expected, and it was a great feeling at the very end. The reaction showed." Djokovic, who had needed to win the title to stand any chance of overhauling Nadal, said it had been a "bad match" from his side but admitted Federer had done everything right. "He was the better player in all aspects," the 32-year-old said. "I have the utmost admiration for him. What he's still showing on the court is phenomenal." England's soccer team was playing across the city at Wembley on Thursday, but when Federer and Djokovic share a tennis court it is always the hottest ticket in town. Djokovic had reached the final on his last six appearances at the ATP's most exclusive event in London while six-time champion Federer had only once failed to reach the semi-finals in his 16 previous appearances. Something had to give and from the moment second seed Djokovic double-faulted twice in the third game to invite an early break for Federer, he was never really in contention. Federer was seeing the ball like a melon, timing his groundstrokes to perfection while his serve was unplayable. He dropped only three points on serve in the opening set and Djokovic's only chance was that Federer would cool off. Djokovic dug deep to fend off break points in the opening game of the second set, then had his one and only break point in the fourth game but Federer whipped a huge forehand into the corner before pouncing on a volley. Federer was relentless and surged 0-40 ahead in the next game. Djokovic saved one break point with a backhand pass but hit a forehand long on the next. With crowd roaring Federer on, the end came quickly. Serving to stay in the match, Djokovic was broken to love as Federer sent a dipping backhand to his feet. Earlier in the day Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian to win a match at the ATP's year-ender, beating Thiem 7-6(3) 6-3. Despite the loss, Thiem won the group by virtue of his victory over Federer on Sunday.

ATP Finals: Novak Djokovic's hopes crushed as Roger Federer serves up masterclass

<p>Austria's Dominic Thiem described his stunning victory over Novak Djokovic at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-djokovic-thrashes-berrettini-thiem-stuns-federer-261312">ATP&nbsp;Finals</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday as probably the best match he has ever played.</p>

<p>The 26-year-old world number five blazed 50 winners, many of them jaw-dropping backhands, to beat the five-time champion 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(5) in front of a spellbound O2 arena crowd.</p>

<p>He battled back from 4-1 down in the final set tiebreak to claim a fourth win in five against the 16-time Grand Slam champion and has already booked his semi-final spot.</p>

<p>"Probably the best match I ever played," he said. "It was a real classic and epic match which will happen from time to time at these big tournaments.</p>

<p>"It had everything that a match like this needs. He was up; I was up. He was playing amazing points; I was playing amazing points. It's only about luck, and it was a little bit more on my side today in the third-set tiebreak."</p>

<p>Djokovic played his full part in an exhilarating contest but could not quite match Thiem's firepower.</p>

<p>Thiem also made 44 unforced errors but it would be churlish to criticise that tally when he was playing such risky tennis.</p>

<p>Having never got past the group stage in three previous appearances at the tournament, he has now beaten <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-up-against-it-after-thiem-defeat-261316">Roger Federer</a> and Novak Djokovic back-to-back to book his place in the semi-finals&nbsp;and appears to be the man in form.</p>

<p>"I knew that I had to play like this to beat him. Against everybody who qualified for this tournament here, there is a special effort necessary to win," said the 26-year-old.</p>

<p>"I did it against Roger, and I did it also today. Probably Novak is the best player in the world right now, so I had to do something outstanding, something unusual, and that's what I did.</p>

<p>"I mean, I was hitting really, really hard."</p>

<p>Djokovic, who faces a decisive clash with Federer on Thursday with the loser guaranteed an early exit, was generous in his praise of Thiem.</p>

<p>"I know that he can play in a high level, but tonight was just phenomenal," he said. "He just played very courageous tennis and (was) just smacking the ball. He went for broke."</p>


Austria's Dominic Thiem described his stunning victory over Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals on Tuesday as probably the best match he has ever played. The 26-year-old world number five blazed 50 winners, many of them jaw-dropping backhands, to beat the five-time champion 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(5) in front of a spellbound O2 arena crowd.

Austria's Dominic Thiem described his stunning victory over Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals on Tuesday as probably the best match he has ever played. The 26-year-old world number five blazed 50 winners, many of them jaw-dropping backhands, to beat the five-time champion 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(5) in front of a spellbound O2 arena crowd. He battled back from 4-1 down in the final set tiebreak to claim a fourth win in five against the 16-time Grand Slam champion and has already booked his semi-final spot. "Probably the best match I ever played," he said. "It was a real classic and epic match which will happen from time to time at these big tournaments. "It had everything that a match like this needs. He was up; I was up. He was playing amazing points; I was playing amazing points. It's only about luck, and it was a little bit more on my side today in the third-set tiebreak." Djokovic played his full part in an exhilarating contest but could not quite match Thiem's firepower. Thiem also made 44 unforced errors but it would be churlish to criticise that tally when he was playing such risky tennis. Having never got past the group stage in three previous appearances at the tournament, he has now beaten Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic back-to-back to book his place in the semi-finals and appears to be the man in form. "I knew that I had to play like this to beat him. Against everybody who qualified for this tournament here, there is a special effort necessary to win," said the 26-year-old. "I did it against Roger, and I did it also today. Probably Novak is the best player in the world right now, so I had to do something outstanding, something unusual, and that's what I did. "I mean, I was hitting really, really hard." Djokovic, who faces a decisive clash with Federer on Thursday with the loser guaranteed an early exit, was generous in his praise of Thiem. "I know that he can play in a high level, but tonight was just phenomenal," he said. "He just played very courageous tennis and (was) just smacking the ball. He went for broke."

ATP Finals: Probably my best ever, says Thiem after defeating Novak Djokovic

<p>Novak Djokovic suffered defeat in a thriller against an inspired Dominic Thiem at the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-up-against-it-after-thiem-defeat-261316"> ATP Finals </a>on Tuesday and now faces a showdown with great rival Roger Federer to decide who will reach the last four at the season-ender.</p>

<p>Swiss Federer shrugged of defeat by Austria's Thiem in his opening group match to comfortably beat Italian Matteo Berrettini 7-6(2) 6-3 in the day's opening singles.</p>

<p>But the real drama at The O2 arena came later when Thiem beat Djokovic 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(5) in the standout match of the tournament so far.</p>

<p>World number five Thiem blazed 50 winners in a sensational display of aggressive hitting to claim his second group win and seal his first semi-final in his fourth appearance.</p>

<p>Whatever his result against the already-eliminated Berrettini the Austrian will progress, but the only victory will do for Djokovic and Federer as they clash for the 49th time and first since Djokovic won an epic Wimbledon final in July.</p>

<p>While Federer is trying to avoid only his second group stage exit in 17 appearances at the year-ending showpiece, the stakes will be even higher for Djokovic.</p>

<p>Defeat would not only halt his bid to equal Federer's six titles but would also mean he cannot end the year ranked number one. Djokovic must reach at least the final to overhaul Rafael Nadal and equal Pete Sampras's feat of finishing a year ranked number one on six occasions.</p>

<p>He will have to recover quickly after being stretched to breaking point by Thiem in a match lasting nearly three hours.</p>

<p>"We go head to head with Roger. The winner goes to semis. Loser doesn't qualify. As simple as that," Djokovic, who led 4-1 in the final-set tiebreaker against Thiem, told reporters.</p>

<p>Thiem responded to losing a high-quality opening set in stunning fashion, ripping winners all over the blue court to take the second set and move a break ahead in the decider.</p>

<p>Few players know how to weather a storm quite like Djokovic though and when he broke back and had Thiem serving at 4-5, 30-30 it seemed he was closing in on victory.</p>

<p>He thought he had reached match point when Thiem's rasping forehand winner was called out but the Austrian challenged and Hawkeye ruled the ball had shaved the line.</p>

<p>Thiem broke in the next game but again Djokovic hit back to drag the match into a tiebreak.</p>

<p>Djokovic led 4-1 but Thiem would not be denied and reeled off five points in a row to give himself two match points.</p>

<p>Thiem thought he had served an ace at 6-4 but it was called out and this time his Hawkeye challenge was unsuccessful.</p>

<p>However, the Austrian made sure at the second time of asking as a weary Djokovic netted.</p>

<p>Generous in defeat, Djokovic said: "I thought he deserved to win. He just played very courageous tennis and was just smacking the ball. He went for broke.</p>

<p>"It was amazing. I have played him before. I know his game. But what he did tonight was just out of ordinary."</p>

<p>The 26-year-old Thiem is the first Austrian to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.</p>

<p>Federer was pushed hard by Berrettini in the first set as the Italian powerhouse showed the kind of form that has propelled him into the world's top 10.</p>

<p>But once Federer changed gear to claim 10 of 11 points to breeze through the first set tiebreak and break to love at the start of the second his 58th victory at the tournament was never in doubt. The 38-year-old's thoughts then turned to Djokovic.</p>

<p>"We'll find out, but I think it's all flushed away from my side," the 20-time Grand Slam winner said when asked if the memory of his Wimbledon loss to Djokovic was still bitter.</p>

<p>"I think we both can take away some confidence from the match. Him obviously a lot. Me maybe a tad bit less.</p>

<p>"But at the end of the day, I didn't hope I was never going to play him again. Actually, it's good for me to play him again, and maybe that all helps to get a chance to get him back or whatever it is. Personally, excited to play Novak on Thursday."</p>


Novak Djokovic suffered defeat in a thriller against an inspired Dominic Thiem at the ATP Finals on Tuesday and now faces a showdown with great rival Roger Federer to decide who will reach the last four at the season-ender.

Novak Djokovic suffered defeat in a thriller against an inspired Dominic Thiem at the ATP Finals on Tuesday and now faces a showdown with great rival Roger Federer to decide who will reach the last four at the season-ender. Swiss Federer shrugged of defeat by Austria's Thiem in his opening group match to comfortably beat Italian Matteo Berrettini 7-6(2) 6-3 in the day's opening singles. But the real drama at The O2 arena came later when Thiem beat Djokovic 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(5) in the standout match of the tournament so far. World number five Thiem blazed 50 winners in a sensational display of aggressive hitting to claim his second group win and seal his first semi-final in his fourth appearance. Whatever his result against the already-eliminated Berrettini the Austrian will progress, but the only victory will do for Djokovic and Federer as they clash for the 49th time and first since Djokovic won an epic Wimbledon final in July. While Federer is trying to avoid only his second group stage exit in 17 appearances at the year-ending showpiece, the stakes will be even higher for Djokovic. Defeat would not only halt his bid to equal Federer's six titles but would also mean he cannot end the year ranked number one. Djokovic must reach at least the final to overhaul Rafael Nadal and equal Pete Sampras's feat of finishing a year ranked number one on six occasions. He will have to recover quickly after being stretched to breaking point by Thiem in a match lasting nearly three hours. "We go head to head with Roger. The winner goes to semis. Loser doesn't qualify. As simple as that," Djokovic, who led 4-1 in the final-set tiebreaker against Thiem, told reporters. Thiem responded to losing a high-quality opening set in stunning fashion, ripping winners all over the blue court to take the second set and move a break ahead in the decider. Few players know how to weather a storm quite like Djokovic though and when he broke back and had Thiem serving at 4-5, 30-30 it seemed he was closing in on victory. He thought he had reached match point when Thiem's rasping forehand winner was called out but the Austrian challenged and Hawkeye ruled the ball had shaved the line. Thiem broke in the next game but again Djokovic hit back to drag the match into a tiebreak. Djokovic led 4-1 but Thiem would not be denied and reeled off five points in a row to give himself two match points. Thiem thought he had served an ace at 6-4 but it was called out and this time his Hawkeye challenge was unsuccessful. However, the Austrian made sure at the second time of asking as a weary Djokovic netted. Generous in defeat, Djokovic said: "I thought he deserved to win. He just played very courageous tennis and was just smacking the ball. He went for broke. "It was amazing. I have played him before. I know his game. But what he did tonight was just out of ordinary." The 26-year-old Thiem is the first Austrian to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. Federer was pushed hard by Berrettini in the first set as the Italian powerhouse showed the kind of form that has propelled him into the world's top 10. But once Federer changed gear to claim 10 of 11 points to breeze through the first set tiebreak and break to love at the start of the second his 58th victory at the tournament was never in doubt. The 38-year-old's thoughts then turned to Djokovic. "We'll find out, but I think it's all flushed away from my side," the 20-time Grand Slam winner said when asked if the memory of his Wimbledon loss to Djokovic was still bitter. "I think we both can take away some confidence from the match. Him obviously a lot. Me maybe a tad bit less. "But at the end of the day, I didn't hope I was never going to play him again. Actually, it's good for me to play him again, and maybe that all helps to get a chance to get him back or whatever it is. Personally, excited to play Novak on Thursday."

ATP Finals: Federer eyes Djokovic after rebounding against Berrettini

<p>Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrated victory over fellow ATP Finals debutant Daniil Medvedev like he had won the title on Monday as he finally snapped a jinx against his Russian bogeyman.</p>

<p>Tsitsipas, the first Greek player to qualify for the season-ender, had lost all five previous matches against Medvedev but he turned the tables in impressive fashion.</p>

<p>His 7-6(5) 6-4 win leaves the swashbuckling 21-year-old well-placed to challenge for a place in the semi-finals and the fact that he beat U.S. Open runner-up Medvedev appears to have made his O2 Arena bow extra sweet.</p>

<p>With contrasting styles and feisty demeanours both are tipped to win Grand Slam titles and the fact there appears to be 'bad chemistry' between them bodes well for the box office.</p>

<p>"It means more than extra. It's a victory that I craved for a long time now, and it's great that I came in at this moment," world number six Tsitsipas, told reporters.</p>

<p>"He's a tough player. He's a very difficult player to face. He's not giving you an easy time when you're out on the court. So it definitely means a lot."</p>

<p>Medvedev, 23, went on an incredible streak after Wimbledon this year, reaching six successive finals including at Flushing Meadow where he extended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-alexander-zverev-tastes-first-victory-over-rafael-nadal-261539">Rafael Nadal</a> in a five-set thriller.</p>

<p>His form has cooled since then and although he raised his level against Tsitsipas the momentum was always with the Greek whose free-flowing, all-court style proved popular with the large afternoon crowd in London.</p>

<p>Playing the more adventurous tennis, Tsitsipas earned a set point in the opening tiebreak with a nerveless volley onto the sideline and converted when Medvedev netted a forehand.</p>

<p>World number four Medvedev saved three break points at 3-3 in the second but an error of judgement at 4-4 gave Tsitsipas another break point chance which this time he converted.</p>

<p>Tsitsipas claimed victory with a smash.</p>

<p>Medvedev played down suggestions that losing to Tsitsipas for the first time stung more, saying he was happy with the way he played after some poor form in the lead-up.</p>

<p>"He was better today, but I felt like I was missing some things," Medvedev said. "That would frustrate me against any other opponent. Of course, I wanted to make it even bigger head-to-head, but it's the way it is."</p>

<p>With fans and media craving new rivalries to carry the game forward when the sun sets on the golden age of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-up-against-it-after-thiem-defeat-261316">Roger Federer</a>, Nadal and Novak Djokovic, it is understandable that any potential bad blood between players is seized upon.</p>

<p>Tsistipas was asked outright why he does not like Medvedev.</p>

<p>"That's a strong statement, I never said I don't like him," he said before describing an incident in a match against Medvedev in Miami last year when words were exchanged.</p>

<p>"I mean, our chemistry definitely isn't the best that you can find on the tour," he said. "It just happens with people that it's not that you can just like everyone.</p>

<p>"It's not that I hate him. I guess as he said, we will not go to dinner together. I respect him, for sure."</p>

<p>Later in the Andre Agassi group world number one Rafael Nadal faces defending champion Alexander Zverev.</p>


Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrated victory over fellow ATP Finals debutant Daniil Medvedev like he had won the title on Monday as he finally snapped a jinx against his Russian bogeyman.

Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrated victory over fellow ATP Finals debutant Daniil Medvedev like he had won the title on Monday as he finally snapped a jinx against his Russian bogeyman. Tsitsipas, the first Greek player to qualify for the season-ender, had lost all five previous matches against Medvedev but he turned the tables in impressive fashion. His 7-6(5) 6-4 win leaves the swashbuckling 21-year-old well-placed to challenge for a place in the semi-finals and the fact that he beat U.S. Open runner-up Medvedev appears to have made his O2 Arena bow extra sweet. With contrasting styles and feisty demeanours both are tipped to win Grand Slam titles and the fact there appears to be 'bad chemistry' between them bodes well for the box office. "It means more than extra. It's a victory that I craved for a long time now, and it's great that I came in at this moment," world number six Tsitsipas, told reporters. "He's a tough player. He's a very difficult player to face. He's not giving you an easy time when you're out on the court. So it definitely means a lot." Medvedev, 23, went on an incredible streak after Wimbledon this year, reaching six successive finals including at Flushing Meadow where he extended Rafael Nadal in a five-set thriller. His form has cooled since then and although he raised his level against Tsitsipas the momentum was always with the Greek whose free-flowing, all-court style proved popular with the large afternoon crowd in London. Playing the more adventurous tennis, Tsitsipas earned a set point in the opening tiebreak with a nerveless volley onto the sideline and converted when Medvedev netted a forehand. World number four Medvedev saved three break points at 3-3 in the second but an error of judgement at 4-4 gave Tsitsipas another break point chance which this time he converted. Tsitsipas claimed victory with a smash. Medvedev played down suggestions that losing to Tsitsipas for the first time stung more, saying he was happy with the way he played after some poor form in the lead-up. "He was better today, but I felt like I was missing some things," Medvedev said. "That would frustrate me against any other opponent. Of course, I wanted to make it even bigger head-to-head, but it's the way it is." With fans and media craving new rivalries to carry the game forward when the sun sets on the golden age of Roger Federer, Nadal and Novak Djokovic, it is understandable that any potential bad blood between players is seized upon. Tsistipas was asked outright why he does not like Medvedev. "That's a strong statement, I never said I don't like him," he said before describing an incident in a match against Medvedev in Miami last year when words were exchanged. "I mean, our chemistry definitely isn't the best that you can find on the tour," he said. "It just happens with people that it's not that you can just like everyone. "It's not that I hate him. I guess as he said, we will not go to dinner together. I respect him, for sure." Later in the Andre Agassi group world number one Rafael Nadal faces defending champion Alexander Zverev.

ATP Finals: Tsitsipas gets win he craved over Medvedev

<p>It proved quite a day for ending losing streaks at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-djokovic-thrashes-berrettini-thiem-stuns-federer-261312">ATP Finals </a>on Monday as Alexander Zverev tasted a first victory over Rafael&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;after Stefanos Tsitsipas got the better of Russian bogeyman Daniil Medvedev.</p>

<p>Both Zverev and Tsitsipas walked out on the huge O2 Arena with 0-5 career records against their opponents but they turned the tables with a couple of dazzling displays.</p>

<p>Tsitsipas beat Medvedev 7-6(5) 6-4 before Germany's Zverev, the surprise title winner last year, thumped an out-of-kilter&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;6-2 6-4 to seal a rare hat-trick.</p>

<p>He might not have won a Grand Slam title yet but after beating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-up-against-it-after-thiem-defeat-261316">Roger Federer</a> and Novak Djokovic in the semi-final and final last year, he opened his defence by outplaying&nbsp;Nadal.</p>

<p>The Spaniard, who took his major haul to 19 this year, has a patchy record at the tournament. He has never won the title, appeared only eight times despite qualifying on 15 occasions and on his last visit, in 2017, withdrew injured.</p>

<p>The world number one refused to blame an abdominal strain picked up this month in Paris for his poor showing.</p>

<p>"It was not a problem with the abdominal at all," the 33-year-old&nbsp;Nadal, who will face Medvedev in his second round-robin match in a repeat of the US&nbsp;Open final, told reporters.</p>

<p>"I did not feel pain. We can find reasons or excuses, but at the end of the day, all that really matters is I need to play much better in two days.</p>

<p>"I needed my best competitive spirit today, and I was not there in that way."</p>

<p>Zverev, 22, has salvaged what initially looked like being a poor year with a late-season flourish to qualify for the showpiece and he produced a confident display to dominate.</p>

<p>Serving regularly at 140mph and crunching angled groundstrokes, he gave&nbsp;Nadal's abdominals a thorough workout.</p>

<p>He took control by breaking in the fifth game and repeated the feat two games later when&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;blazed a wild forehand wide.</p>

<p>Some scintillating net play earned the German another break at the start of the second set. He stayed rock solid thereafter, not giving&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;even a sniff of a chance to make a comeback.</p>

<p>"It is obviously great," said the world number seven. "Everyone knows how much I have struggled the whole season. It means so much to be playing here again where I won my biggest title last season. It means everything to me."</p>

<p>In terms of&nbsp;Nadal's hopes of sealing the ATP year-end top ranking for a fifth time, nothing has changed.</p>

<p>He arrived in London with a 640-point lead over Djokovic. With 200 points for each group win, Djokovic cut that deficit on Sunday by thrashing Italian Matteo Berrettini.</p>

<p>Even if&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;suffered a recurrence of the injury or lost all of his group matches, Djokovic must still reach the final to overtake the Spaniard and match Pete Sampras's record of finishing a year as number one on six occasions.</p>

<p>Earlier on Monday a large crowd were treated to a high-quality duel between two players seemingly destined to be vying with Zverev for the games biggest prizes.</p>

<p>Tsitsipas gave a swashbuckling display against Medvedev in the first opening round-robin match between two debutants since 2007 and celebrated like he had won the title, a reaction perhaps born out of past friction between the two young guns.</p>

<p>"It means more than extra. It's a victory that I craved for a long time now," the 21-year-old Tsitsipas, the first Greek to qualify for the eight-man tournament, told reporters.</p>

<p>"Our chemistry definitely isn't the best that you can find on the Tour. It just happens with people that it's not that you can just like everyone." Tsitsipas plays Zverev on Wednesday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-djokovic-has-world-number-one-nadal-in-his-sights-at-london-finale-260669">Five-time champion Djokovic</a> can close the gap further on&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;on Tuesday when he takes on Austrian Dominic Thiem.</p>


It proved quite a day for ending losing streaks at the ATP Finals on Monday as Alexander Zverev tasted a first victory over Rafael Nadal after Stefanos Tsitsipas got the better of Russian bogeyman Daniil Medvedev.

It proved quite a day for ending losing streaks at the ATP Finals on Monday as Alexander Zverev tasted a first victory over Rafael Nadal after Stefanos Tsitsipas got the better of Russian bogeyman Daniil Medvedev. Both Zverev and Tsitsipas walked out on the huge O2 Arena with 0-5 career records against their opponents but they turned the tables with a couple of dazzling displays. Tsitsipas beat Medvedev 7-6(5) 6-4 before Germany's Zverev, the surprise title winner last year, thumped an out-of-kilter Nadal 6-2 6-4 to seal a rare hat-trick. He might not have won a Grand Slam title yet but after beating Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the semi-final and final last year, he opened his defence by outplaying Nadal. The Spaniard, who took his major haul to 19 this year, has a patchy record at the tournament. He has never won the title, appeared only eight times despite qualifying on 15 occasions and on his last visit, in 2017, withdrew injured. The world number one refused to blame an abdominal strain picked up this month in Paris for his poor showing. "It was not a problem with the abdominal at all," the 33-year-old Nadal, who will face Medvedev in his second round-robin match in a repeat of the US Open final, told reporters. "I did not feel pain. We can find reasons or excuses, but at the end of the day, all that really matters is I need to play much better in two days. "I needed my best competitive spirit today, and I was not there in that way." Zverev, 22, has salvaged what initially looked like being a poor year with a late-season flourish to qualify for the showpiece and he produced a confident display to dominate. Serving regularly at 140mph and crunching angled groundstrokes, he gave Nadal's abdominals a thorough workout. He took control by breaking in the fifth game and repeated the feat two games later when Nadal blazed a wild forehand wide. Some scintillating net play earned the German another break at the start of the second set. He stayed rock solid thereafter, not giving Nadal even a sniff of a chance to make a comeback. "It is obviously great," said the world number seven. "Everyone knows how much I have struggled the whole season. It means so much to be playing here again where I won my biggest title last season. It means everything to me." In terms of Nadal's hopes of sealing the ATP year-end top ranking for a fifth time, nothing has changed. He arrived in London with a 640-point lead over Djokovic. With 200 points for each group win, Djokovic cut that deficit on Sunday by thrashing Italian Matteo Berrettini. Even if Nadal suffered a recurrence of the injury or lost all of his group matches, Djokovic must still reach the final to overtake the Spaniard and match Pete Sampras's record of finishing a year as number one on six occasions. Earlier on Monday a large crowd were treated to a high-quality duel between two players seemingly destined to be vying with Zverev for the games biggest prizes. Tsitsipas gave a swashbuckling display against Medvedev in the first opening round-robin match between two debutants since 2007 and celebrated like he had won the title, a reaction perhaps born out of past friction between the two young guns. "It means more than extra. It's a victory that I craved for a long time now," the 21-year-old Tsitsipas, the first Greek to qualify for the eight-man tournament, told reporters. "Our chemistry definitely isn't the best that you can find on the Tour. It just happens with people that it's not that you can just like everyone." Tsitsipas plays Zverev on Wednesday. Five-time champion Djokovic can close the gap further on Nadal on Tuesday when he takes on Austrian Dominic Thiem.

ATP Finals: Alexander Zverev tastes first victory over Rafael Nadal

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-brushes-de-minaur-aside-to-claim-record-10th-basel-title-258408">Roger Federer</a> said he had no more margin for error if he wanted to avoid an early exit at the ATP Finals after losing his opening group match to Dominic Thiem on Sunday.</p>

<p>The 38-year-old Swiss, bidding for his seventh title at the event but his first since 2011, struggled to handle Thiem's aggressive game as he went down 7-5 7-5.</p>

<p>Only once in 16 previous appearances has Federer failed to survive the group phase, in 2008, and to avoid a repeat he will have to beat Italian Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday and most probably <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-djokovic-has-world-number-one-nadal-in-his-sights-at-london-finale-260669">Novak Djokovic </a>on Thursday.</p>

<p>Djokovic, aiming to claw back the year-end number one ranking from Rafael Nadal, destroyed debutant Berrettini 6-2 6-1 in the day's opening singles match at the O2 Arena.</p>

<p>Thiem put constant pressure on Federer and broke at 5-5 in each set to claim his third win over the Swiss this year.</p>

<p>"My forecast, it's a normal tournament from here on forward," 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer, beaten by Djokovic in an epic Wimbledon final in July, said.</p>

<p>"Not allowed to lose anymore for me. That's how it is every week of the year for the last 20 years, so from that standpoint there is nothing new there.</p>

<p>"I've got to recover, I've got make sure I play better than today, and hopefully I can win that match (against Berrettini)."</p>

<p>The warning signs were there in Federer's opening service game which he dropped and although he hit back impressively he faltered at 5-5 when Thiem hurried him into errors.</p>

<p>Federer had the majority of support in the packed arena but, try as he might, he could not find his A game in the second set as Thiem again dominated the baseline rallies.</p>

<p>Thiem, who has flourished this year since hiring coach Nicolas Massu after a slow start to the season, broke again at 5-5 and although Federer fought hard and had a point to take the set into a tiebreak he was unable to turn things around.</p>

<p>"I thought he played a tough first-round performance today, and my game was probably just not good enough, and the start didn't help," Federer said.</p>

<p>Thiem will face Djokovic on Tuesday.</p>


Roger Federer said he had no more margin for error if he wanted to avoid an early exit at the ATP Finals after losing his opening group match to Dominic Thiem on Sunday.

Roger Federer said he had no more margin for error if he wanted to avoid an early exit at the ATP Finals after losing his opening group match to Dominic Thiem on Sunday. The 38-year-old Swiss, bidding for his seventh title at the event but his first since 2011, struggled to handle Thiem's aggressive game as he went down 7-5 7-5. Only once in 16 previous appearances has Federer failed to survive the group phase, in 2008, and to avoid a repeat he will have to beat Italian Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday and most probably Novak Djokovic on Thursday. Djokovic, aiming to claw back the year-end number one ranking from Rafael Nadal, destroyed debutant Berrettini 6-2 6-1 in the day's opening singles match at the O2 Arena. Thiem put constant pressure on Federer and broke at 5-5 in each set to claim his third win over the Swiss this year. "My forecast, it's a normal tournament from here on forward," 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer, beaten by Djokovic in an epic Wimbledon final in July, said. "Not allowed to lose anymore for me. That's how it is every week of the year for the last 20 years, so from that standpoint there is nothing new there. "I've got to recover, I've got make sure I play better than today, and hopefully I can win that match (against Berrettini)." The warning signs were there in Federer's opening service game which he dropped and although he hit back impressively he faltered at 5-5 when Thiem hurried him into errors. Federer had the majority of support in the packed arena but, try as he might, he could not find his A game in the second set as Thiem again dominated the baseline rallies. Thiem, who has flourished this year since hiring coach Nicolas Massu after a slow start to the season, broke again at 5-5 and although Federer fought hard and had a point to take the set into a tiebreak he was unable to turn things around. "I thought he played a tough first-round performance today, and my game was probably just not good enough, and the start didn't help," Federer said. Thiem will face Djokovic on Tuesday.

ATP Finals: Federer up against it after Thiem defeat

<p>Novak Djokovic ruthlessly took Matteo Berrettini apart at the ATP Finals on Sunday as he began his quest to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-djokovic-has-world-number-one-nadal-in-his-sights-at-london-finale-260669">reclaim the number one</a> ranking by winning his opening group match 6-2 6-1.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-brushes-de-minaur-aside-to-claim-record-10th-basel-title-258408">Roger Federer</a> already faces an uphill task to win the title for the first time since 2011, however, after being outplayed by inspired Austrian Dominic Thiem, losing 7-5 7-5.</p>

<p>Thiem had never won his opening group match in his three previous appearances but took full advantage of a unusually sluggish Federer to make a flying start.</p>

<p>While six-time champion Federer will fancy his chances of steadying the ship against Berrettini on Tuesday, he will likely need to beat Djokovic on Thursday to reach the semi-finals.</p>

<p>Only once in 16 previous appearances has Federer not survived the group stage, back in 2008.</p>

<p>Berrettini, the first Italian to play in the season-ending showpiece since 1978, was given a harsh lesson by 16-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic at the O2 Arena.</p>

<p>The 32-year-old Djokovic began the match 640 points behind Rafael Nadal in the race to end the year on top of the rankings, but victory chipped that advantage down to 440.</p>

<p>Djokovic must at least win two group matches and reach the final to have any chance of matching Pete Sampras's record of ending six separate years as world number one.</p>

<p>Spaniard Nadal, who has concerns over an abdominal injury sustained at the Paris Masters, plays his first group match on Monday against defending champion Alexander Zverev.</p>

<p>As an opening singles match in a tournament featuring the world's best eight players, it was a disappointing spectacle as the 23-year-old Berrettini succumbed all too easily.</p>

<p>The first four games were shared but once Djokovic got into his metronomic groove he looked untouchable and the errors began to flow off his opponent's racket.</p>

<p>Berrettini snatched at a forehand at 2-3 to gift Djokovic the break and in no time at all he was a set and 4-0 down.</p>

<p>Djokovic had a momentary lapse to drop serve but was in no mood to hang around as he racked up his 36th win at the event.</p>

<p>He did have some sympathy for his opponent though.</p>

<p>"I remember when I played for the first time in the ATP Tour Finals in 2007, I lost all three matches in the group," he said.</p>

<p>"I was tense. It's a lot of pressure mentally, that you have to deliver your best, where for us guys that have been playing on the top level for many years, we have the experience."</p>

<p>The evening match was much more entertaining as Thiem, runner-up at the French Open to Nadal in June for a second successive year, took his career record over Federer to 5-2.</p>

<p>He broke serve in the opening game and although Federer hit back impressively Thiem was the more aggressive player throughout, using his forehand to keep Federer on the back foot.</p>

<p>Federer buckled under pressure at 5-5 in the opener and Thiem confidently held in the next game.</p>

<p>It felt like Federer was just hanging on in the second but he offered up three break points at 5-5 with a volley error.</p>

<p>Serving for the match, Thiem missed one match point and had to save a break point as Federer dug in but he made no mistake at the second time of asking, pummelling away a forehand to seal a third win over Federer this year.</p>


Novak Djokovic ruthlessly took Matteo Berrettini apart at the ATP Finals on Sunday as he began his quest to reclaim the number one ranking by winning his opening group match 6-2 6-1.

Novak Djokovic ruthlessly took Matteo Berrettini apart at the ATP Finals on Sunday as he began his quest to reclaim the number one ranking by winning his opening group match 6-2 6-1. Roger Federer already faces an uphill task to win the title for the first time since 2011, however, after being outplayed by inspired Austrian Dominic Thiem, losing 7-5 7-5. Thiem had never won his opening group match in his three previous appearances but took full advantage of a unusually sluggish Federer to make a flying start. While six-time champion Federer will fancy his chances of steadying the ship against Berrettini on Tuesday, he will likely need to beat Djokovic on Thursday to reach the semi-finals. Only once in 16 previous appearances has Federer not survived the group stage, back in 2008. Berrettini, the first Italian to play in the season-ending showpiece since 1978, was given a harsh lesson by 16-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic at the O2 Arena. The 32-year-old Djokovic began the match 640 points behind Rafael Nadal in the race to end the year on top of the rankings, but victory chipped that advantage down to 440. Djokovic must at least win two group matches and reach the final to have any chance of matching Pete Sampras's record of ending six separate years as world number one. Spaniard Nadal, who has concerns over an abdominal injury sustained at the Paris Masters, plays his first group match on Monday against defending champion Alexander Zverev. As an opening singles match in a tournament featuring the world's best eight players, it was a disappointing spectacle as the 23-year-old Berrettini succumbed all too easily. The first four games were shared but once Djokovic got into his metronomic groove he looked untouchable and the errors began to flow off his opponent's racket. Berrettini snatched at a forehand at 2-3 to gift Djokovic the break and in no time at all he was a set and 4-0 down. Djokovic had a momentary lapse to drop serve but was in no mood to hang around as he racked up his 36th win at the event. He did have some sympathy for his opponent though. "I remember when I played for the first time in the ATP Tour Finals in 2007, I lost all three matches in the group," he said. "I was tense. It's a lot of pressure mentally, that you have to deliver your best, where for us guys that have been playing on the top level for many years, we have the experience." The evening match was much more entertaining as Thiem, runner-up at the French Open to Nadal in June for a second successive year, took his career record over Federer to 5-2. He broke serve in the opening game and although Federer hit back impressively Thiem was the more aggressive player throughout, using his forehand to keep Federer on the back foot. Federer buckled under pressure at 5-5 in the opener and Thiem confidently held in the next game. It felt like Federer was just hanging on in the second but he offered up three break points at 5-5 with a volley error. Serving for the match, Thiem missed one match point and had to save a break point as Federer dug in but he made no mistake at the second time of asking, pummelling away a forehand to seal a third win over Federer this year.

ATP Finals: Djokovic thrashes Berrettini, Thiem stuns Federer

<p>Rafael Nadal has said he will travel to the ATP finals in London after undergoing a scan on an abdominal injury that forced him to retire from last week's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-masters-nadal-marches-on-in-paris-djokovic-also-reaches-quarters-259155">Paris Masters</a> at the semi-final stage.</p>

<p>"Yesterday I had a scan in Mallorca and despite having a small strain in my right abdominal, I will travel to London," the world number one said in a statement on his official Twitter account on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"On Thursday or Friday I will start training on my serve and my aim is to be able to play the ATP Finals in London. Thanks for your support."</p>

<p>Even though he withdrew from his semi-final tie with Denis Shapovalov, Nadal's run to the last four in Paris saw him reclaim the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-once-again-claims-no-1-spot-in-rankings-novak-djokovic-slips-259888">number one spot</a> from Novak Djokovic on Monday.</p>

<p>The ATP finals take place between November&nbsp;10-17. Nadal has never won the tournament, losing in the final to Roger Federer in 2010 and Djokovic in 2013, when it was known as the ATP World Tour finals.</p>


Rafael Nadal has said he will travel to the ATP finals in London after undergoing a scan on an abdominal injury that forced him to retire from last week's Paris Masters at the semi-final stage.

Rafael Nadal has said he will travel to the ATP finals in London after undergoing a scan on an abdominal injury that forced him to retire from last week's Paris Masters at the semi-final stage. "Yesterday I had a scan in Mallorca and despite having a small strain in my right abdominal, I will travel to London," the world number one said in a statement on his official Twitter account on Tuesday. "On Thursday or Friday I will start training on my serve and my aim is to be able to play the ATP Finals in London. Thanks for your support." Even though he withdrew from his semi-final tie with Denis Shapovalov, Nadal's run to the last four in Paris saw him reclaim the number one spot from Novak Djokovic on Monday. The ATP finals take place between November 10-17. Nadal has never won the tournament, losing in the final to Roger Federer in 2010 and Djokovic in 2013, when it was known as the ATP World Tour finals.

Tennis: Rafael Nadal to travel to ATP finals despite injury

<p>Tennis giant Rafael Nadal once again became the number one ranked tennis player after he dethroned his rival Novak Djokovic. The Serbian could not hold the top spot despite winning his fifth&nbsp;Paris Masters title on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I'm super happy with my season,” said Nadal, <a href="https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-returns-to-no-1-november-2019">reports ATP</a>. He added that the start of this season was very challenging but the way he played his tennis this year made him extremely proud.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Djokovic came down to the second spot as he loses the points that he won a year ago in London when Nadal was absent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Nadal and Djokovic had a phenomenal run this season with both superstars winning two grand slams apiece. On one hand, Nadal claimed&nbsp;French and US Opens, while Djokovic triumphed in the Australian Open and Wimbledon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 33-year-old became the second-oldest player in the ATP Rankings history to reach atop since 1973. This is the eighth time Nadal became number 1 in ATP rankings and his previous stint ended exactly the same day one year ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With this feat, Nadal equaled the mark of Ivan Lendl and only the likes of John McEnroe (14)&nbsp; Pete Sampras (11), and&nbsp;Jimmy Connors (9) are ahead of him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Djokovic might spoil Nadal's dreams of ending 2019 with top spot if the Spaniard fails to play or win a round-robin match at ATP Tour Finals and the Serbian making to the finals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nadal, who was unable to play a full season in 2018, had an outstanding 2019 as he managed to win four trophies including the historic 12th Rolland Garros and the fourth US Open. He also reached the finals of the Australian Open where he was defeated by Djokovic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the men's rankings, Gael Monfils returns to the top 10 for the first time since February 2017 after reaching the semi-finals in Paris while 20-year-old Shapovalov climbs 13 places to his highest ranking, 15.</p>

<p>The latest ATP rankings are as follows:&nbsp;</p>

<p>1. Rafael Nadal&nbsp;</p>

<p>2. Novak Djokovic&nbsp;</p>

<p>3. Roger Federer</p>

<p>4. Daniil Medvedev&nbsp;</p>

<p>5. Dominic Thiem&nbsp;</p>

<p>6. Stefanos Tsitsipas&nbsp;</p>

<p>7. Alexander Zverev&nbsp;</p>

<p>8. Matteo Berrettini&nbsp;</p>

<p>9. Roberto Bautista&nbsp;</p>

<p>10. Gaël Monfils&nbsp;</p>

<p>11. David Goffin&nbsp;</p>

<p>12. Fabio Fognini&nbsp;</p>

<p>13. Kei Nishikori&nbsp;</p>

<p>14. Diego Schwartzman&nbsp;</p>

<p>15. Denis Shapovalov&nbsp;</p>

<p>16. Stan Wawrinka&nbsp;</p>

<p>17. Karen Khachanov&nbsp;</p>

<p>18. Alex De Minaur</p>

<p>19. John Isner&nbsp;</p>

<p>20. Grigor Dimitrov&nbsp;</p>


Tennis giant Rafael Nadal once again became the number one ranked tennis player after he dethroned his rival Novak Djokovic. The Serbian could not hold the top spot despite winning his fifth Paris Masters title on Sunday.

Tennis giant Rafael Nadal once again became the number one ranked tennis player after he dethroned his rival Novak Djokovic. The Serbian could not hold the top spot despite winning his fifth Paris Masters title on Sunday. “I'm super happy with my season,” said Nadal, reports ATP. He added that the start of this season was very challenging but the way he played his tennis this year made him extremely proud. Djokovic came down to the second spot as he loses the points that he won a year ago in London when Nadal was absent. Both Nadal and Djokovic had a phenomenal run this season with both superstars winning two grand slams apiece. On one hand, Nadal claimed French and US Opens, while Djokovic triumphed in the Australian Open and Wimbledon. The 33-year-old became the second-oldest player in the ATP Rankings history to reach atop since 1973. This is the eighth time Nadal became number 1 in ATP rankings and his previous stint ended exactly the same day one year ago. With this feat, Nadal equaled the mark of Ivan Lendl and only the likes of John McEnroe (14) Pete Sampras (11), and Jimmy Connors (9) are ahead of him. However, Djokovic might spoil Nadal's dreams of ending 2019 with top spot if the Spaniard fails to play or win a round-robin match at ATP Tour Finals and the Serbian making to the finals. Nadal, who was unable to play a full season in 2018, had an outstanding 2019 as he managed to win four trophies including the historic 12th Rolland Garros and the fourth US Open. He also reached the finals of the Australian Open where he was defeated by Djokovic. In the men's rankings, Gael Monfils returns to the top 10 for the first time since February 2017 after reaching the semi-finals in Paris while 20-year-old Shapovalov climbs 13 places to his highest ranking, 15. The latest ATP rankings are as follows: 1. Rafael Nadal 2. Novak Djokovic 3. Roger Federer 4. Daniil Medvedev 5. Dominic Thiem 6. Stefanos Tsitsipas 7. Alexander Zverev 8. Matteo Berrettini 9. Roberto Bautista 10. Gaël Monfils 11. David Goffin 12. Fabio Fognini 13. Kei Nishikori 14. Diego Schwartzman 15. Denis Shapovalov 16. Stan Wawrinka 17. Karen Khachanov 18. Alex De Minaur 19. John Isner 20. Grigor Dimitrov

Rafael Nadal once again claims No 1 spot in rankings, Novak Djokovic slips

<p>Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic booked their spots in the Paris Masters second round on Monday, while Roger Federer pulled out of the tournament with next month's ATP Finals on the horizon.</p>

<p>Cilic eased past Hubert Hurkacz of Poland 7-6(5) 6-4 to set up a second-round meeting with three-time Grand Slam champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-stan-wawrinka-sets-up-quarter-final-with-roger-federer-258056">Stan Wawrinka</a>.</p>

<p>The 2014 US&nbsp;Open champion dictated the contest with power and precision as he won 86 per cent&nbsp;of his first-serve points to seal his third consecutive victory over Hurkacz in less than two years.</p>

<p>Big-serving Canadian Raonic capitalised on fast court conditions to outclass Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-3 6-2 in just over an hour at the AccorHotels Arena.</p>

<p>A back injury has limited Raonic to three matches since the Rogers Cup in August, but the 2014 Paris runner-up was back to full strength as he struck 14 aces in a masterful display.</p>

<p>Raonic will next face newly-crowned Vienna Open champion Dominic Thiem.</p>

<p>World number three Federer pulled out of the tournament as he fine tunes his schedule heading into the season-ending ATP Finals.</p>

<p>The 38-year-old Swiss lifted a record-extending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-brushes-de-minaur-aside-to-claim-record-10th-basel-title-258408">10th Swiss Indoors </a>championship title in his hometown of Basel on Sunday and has decided not to play back-to-back weeks at this stage of the season.</p>

<p>"I am extremely disappointed to have to pull out of the Paris Masters," Federer said in a statement&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have to pace myself since I want to play as long as possible on the ATP Tour. I am sorry for my French fans who I will see next year at Roland Garros."</p>

<p>Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas have booked their places for next month's ATP Finals, with the Paris Masters set to determine who clinches the final two spots for the London tournament.</p>

<p>Italian Andreas Seppi has replaced Federer as a lucky loser in the Paris main draw and will meet Moldova's Radu Albot in the second round.</p>


Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic booked their spots in the Paris Masters second round on Monday, while Roger Federer pulled out of the tournament with next month's ATP Finals on the horizon.

Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic booked their spots in the Paris Masters second round on Monday, while Roger Federer pulled out of the tournament with next month's ATP Finals on the horizon. Cilic eased past Hubert Hurkacz of Poland 7-6(5) 6-4 to set up a second-round meeting with three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. The 2014 US Open champion dictated the contest with power and precision as he won 86 per cent of his first-serve points to seal his third consecutive victory over Hurkacz in less than two years. Big-serving Canadian Raonic capitalised on fast court conditions to outclass Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-3 6-2 in just over an hour at the AccorHotels Arena. A back injury has limited Raonic to three matches since the Rogers Cup in August, but the 2014 Paris runner-up was back to full strength as he struck 14 aces in a masterful display. Raonic will next face newly-crowned Vienna Open champion Dominic Thiem. World number three Federer pulled out of the tournament as he fine tunes his schedule heading into the season-ending ATP Finals. The 38-year-old Swiss lifted a record-extending 10th Swiss Indoors championship title in his hometown of Basel on Sunday and has decided not to play back-to-back weeks at this stage of the season. "I am extremely disappointed to have to pull out of the Paris Masters," Federer said in a statement "I have to pace myself since I want to play as long as possible on the ATP Tour. I am sorry for my French fans who I will see next year at Roland Garros." Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas have booked their places for next month's ATP Finals, with the Paris Masters set to determine who clinches the final two spots for the London tournament. Italian Andreas Seppi has replaced Federer as a lucky loser in the Paris main draw and will meet Moldova's Radu Albot in the second round.

Tennis: Cilic, Raonic make winning starts at Paris Masters; Federer withdraws

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-keeps-team-europe-ahead-in-laver-cup-with-win-over-kyrgios-251099">Roger Federer </a>clinched a record-extending 10th Swiss Indoors championship title in his hometown of Basel with a crushing 6-2 6-2 victory over Australia's Alex de Minaur on Sunday.</p>

<p>The 38-year-old Swiss has now won 103 singles titles in his career and the record win in Basel, where he once acted as a ball boy, was the second time he had won a tournament 10 times after achieving the feat in Halle in June.</p>

<p>Federer converted four of 10 breakpoints and did not drop serve to wrap up the match in 68 minutes for his fourth title of the year after wins in Dubai, Miami and Halle.</p>

<p>"It was fast but very nice, I think I played a great match," an emotional Federer said after lifting the trophy.</p>

<p>"I thought Alex played a great tournament as well, and I think we both can be very happy. But what a moment for me to win my 10th here in my hometown of Basel."</p>

<p>Federer and De Minaur traded blows with long-baseline exchanges early in the match, including an absorbing 39-shot rally when Federer led 2-1 before the Swiss stepped up a gear to break his opponent twice and take the opening set.</p>

<p>Federer was ruthless on his serve and retained his momentum and intensity in the second set, moving into a 3-0 lead after winning five games in a row before De Minaur held.</p>

<p>"It was a tough opener... the first five games, we had some great rallies," Federer added. "I never looked back.</p>

<p>"I was great on the offence, made very few unforced errors and came up with the big shots and served well when I had to."</p>

<p>De Minaur's rare success only delayed the inevitable as Federer set up match point and forced the 20-year-old to fire a forehand wide as the crowd rose to their feet to salute the 20-times Grand Slam champion.</p>


Roger Federer clinched a record-extending 10th Swiss Indoors championship title in his hometown of Basel with a crushing 6-2 6-2 victory over Australia's Alex de Minaur on Sunday.

Roger Federer clinched a record-extending 10th Swiss Indoors championship title in his hometown of Basel with a crushing 6-2 6-2 victory over Australia's Alex de Minaur on Sunday. The 38-year-old Swiss has now won 103 singles titles in his career and the record win in Basel, where he once acted as a ball boy, was the second time he had won a tournament 10 times after achieving the feat in Halle in June. Federer converted four of 10 breakpoints and did not drop serve to wrap up the match in 68 minutes for his fourth title of the year after wins in Dubai, Miami and Halle. "It was fast but very nice, I think I played a great match," an emotional Federer said after lifting the trophy. "I thought Alex played a great tournament as well, and I think we both can be very happy. But what a moment for me to win my 10th here in my hometown of Basel." Federer and De Minaur traded blows with long-baseline exchanges early in the match, including an absorbing 39-shot rally when Federer led 2-1 before the Swiss stepped up a gear to break his opponent twice and take the opening set. Federer was ruthless on his serve and retained his momentum and intensity in the second set, moving into a 3-0 lead after winning five games in a row before De Minaur held. "It was a tough opener... the first five games, we had some great rallies," Federer added. "I never looked back. "I was great on the offence, made very few unforced errors and came up with the big shots and served well when I had to." De Minaur's rare success only delayed the inevitable as Federer set up match point and forced the 20-year-old to fire a forehand wide as the crowd rose to their feet to salute the 20-times Grand Slam champion.

Federer topples De Minaur to claim record win at home in Basel

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