Confident Roger Federer ready to go far at ATP World Finals in London
Swiss world No 6 says his confidence is back as he prepares to take part in his 12th consecutive season-ending grand finale
There is no let-up for Roger Federer as he prepares for his 12th consecutive appearance at the ATP's season-ending extravaganza, but the 32-year-old believes his old form is returning in time to end the year in style.
The oldest player in the eight-man ATP World Tour Finals draw and six-times former champion will begin today against world number two Novak Djokovic, having come tantalisingly close to upsetting the Serb in the Paris Masters semi-finals.
Wins over the big guns are rare for 17-times grand slam champion Federer, whose days of lording it over the sport may be over, but whose box-office appeal is still as strong as ever.
For the first time in more than a decade Federer's place in the season finale was in jeopardy after a relatively lean year, leaving him scrapping for points.
Thankfully for the ATP, especially with British favourite Andy Murray absent after back surgery, Federer's strong run in Basel where he lost to Juan Martin del Potro in the final and at the Paris Masters guaranteed his place.
The world number six may not be favourite when play begins alongside the River Thames at the O2 Arena, but few would wager money against him producing a timely reminder of his powers as he aims to hold back the sands of time.
An opening match against Djokovic is a tough proposition for the Swiss, but Federer has twice won the title in two of the four years the tournament has been staged in London and he was clearly glad to be back when he spoke to reporters on Sunday.