Sports
November 29, 2011

Federer ranks World Tour Finals victory among his best

Roger Federer said winning a record sixth season-ending crown was “one of his greatest accomplishments”.{{more}}

The 16-time Grand Slam champion beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to end his year with victory at the ATP World Tour Finals.

“It feels very special indeed,” said Federer, 30. “I know it’s one of my greatest accomplishments. It was the strongest finish to a season I’ve ever had in my career.”

He lifted titles in Basel and Paris before winning all his ties in London.

He has not lost since the US Open in September and will take a 17-match unbeaten streak into 2012.

“Right now I’m happy the season is over,” said Federer, who finished without a Grand Slam trophy for the first time since 2002.

“It has been long and it has been gruelling, but I’m happy I’m still strong and healthy. I’m really excited for next year – I’m upbeat about what’s to come.”

A set and a break to the good, Federer looked on course for a routine victory over sixth seed Tsonga.

But the powerful Frenchman broke back and saved a match point to snatch the second set on a tie-break.

However, Federer came through strongly in the decider to collect a 70th title in his 100th career final.

“The relief was amazing,” stated the Swiss. “Jo played well. Could I have won it easier? I guess; I had it in my hands.