ATP Tour Finals: My Evening with Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Roger Federer won The ATP World Tour Finals—a result few would have predicted three weeks ago, yet nobody was surprised.  Roger Federer, just as his season was written off, has ended with a run of 17 wins, reaching his 100th tour level final.

This is the story of that 100th final, not from behind a television, or from news reports, but from a normal tennis fan who was lucky enough to be there.

I'll spare you too many details, but I will tell you this: I'm a tennis fan.  I enjoy watching some players more than others, but I do not support any player in particular (Although I must admit I have a dislike for all things Andy Murray, but that's another story).

Heading toward the O2 Arena in London, I could not have been happier with Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga being in the final.  Apart from anything, they were two players (of three at the Finals) I had not seen play live before.

Strolling into the O2, the atmosphere was incredible.  The huge outer shell provides fans with a plethora of things to see and do before entering the arena itself, something many were taking advantage of.

There was a real sense of excitement inside the arena, especially in the "fan zone" area, where Tsonga was taking part in a last-minute practice session.  Fans of all ages were catered for; the ATP and its corporate partners really did a great job.

Once inside the arena itself, there was little that could have increased how excited I was.  Usually when I'm at a tennis match, it is in the early rounds; I'd never been to a major final. 

Then, out onto the court strolled the man himself.

I felt privileged just watching Federer hit a few casual practice strokes. 

The technique is as close to perfection as I am ever likely to see up close.  As far as I was concerned, the doubles match could be called off; I just wanted to see Federer take on Tsonga.

The doubles came and went in less than 90 minutes.  Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor had few problems defeating Polish pair Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski 7-5, 6-3.  

It was time for the main event.

As the arena filled up, the music seemed to get louder.  There was a real buzz among the 17,000 fans, everyone waiting to see Federer stroll out for his 100th final appearance.  And that is, by no means, a disservice to Tsonga; he is a great player.  

He just isn't the great player.

The early games were uneventful as both players found their stride.  Tsonga was probably looking like the best player. 

But then, all of a sudden, Federer stepped it up.  Sometimes it is hard to see on television, but there was a real sense that Federer knew he needed a break and went for it.

Of course, he got it and the first set was in the bag.

The second set did not get any easier for Tsonga.  I've not watched the television coverage, but it was clear to see the Frenchman dropped his head.  A couple of double faults saw Federer get a break.

Tsonga looked defeated.  His body language was that of a beaten man, and yet, just as Federer looked certain to win in straight sets, the powerful Frenchman struck.

He fought back, much to the crowd's delight, taking the set to a tie-break.  It would have been a real shame for Tsonga to lose in two sets.  The noise level was raised yet again and Tsonga roared back into the tie-break to win the set, despite falling well behind early.

It was in the third set where the tennis really got good.  This is what we all wanted to see. Winner-takes-all tennis.  Ground strokes seemed to get harder and faster with every point, and each game saw the excitement and noise level rise.

Eventually, it seemed the pressure got hold of Tsonga, and few men close out like Federer once ahead in the final set.  

There was to be no repeat of Wimbledon for Tsonga, but instead a repeat of Paris for Federer, as he took his 70th career win.

I know I will always remember the day I saw Federer win the World Tour Finals.  His style and class on the court are things that set him apart from his peers.  

Federer may be past his prime, but this victory proves he can still win when it counts.