Roger Federer: ATP World Tour Victory Proof Federer Can Win in 2012

Roger Federer isn't going anywhere.

His critics call him a 30-year-old and an over-the-hill, past-his-prime player with eroding speed.

They couldn't be more wrong.

The king of tennis defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 7-6 (6), 6-3 for the ATP World Tour Finals title to cap off a terrific stretch to end the 2011 season. Consecutive titles in Paris, where he also beat Tsonga in the final, and at the season-ending championships has vaulted the Swiss legend to reclaim the No. 3 spot in the world from Andy Murray.

His foot speed may not be at the same level of when he was seemingly winning every Grand Slam title back in the mid-2000s, but it's still at an elite level. The biggest edge Federer now holds has nothing to do with his physical performance. 

It's his brain.

Federer was a very smart player five years ago, now he could teach the class. His experience has given him the ability to exert the right amount of blood, sweat and tears into every match.

As he watches the competition wear down during the long and sometimes grueling ATP slate, Federer keeps plugging along. What Federer lacks these days in quickness is made up with his intense preparation and mental edge. 

His conditioning is the gold standard in tennis and that's why I loved this quote from him after Sunday's win:

"

I couldn't be more happy my season ends this way. I'm exhausted, Jo sapped every last energy out of me today.

"

Federer is the ultimate planner. His energy level is gone—just in time for winter break. He pushed himself to the limit and has his six career World Tour victories because of it. 

Now he has plenty of time to rest and play with his young twins with the 2012 Australian Open in the back of his mind. 

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal may be ahead of Federer as 2011 concludes, but expect Federer to change that in 2012.

He's already planning for it.