‘It was just a first-round hiccup’ – Roger Federer remaining positive after ATP Finals defeat

ATP Tour
Roger Federer serving at ATP Finals

Roger Federer is confident he can brush off his defeat to Dominic Thiem and still progress at the ATP Finals in London.

The 38-year-old has struggled against Thiem in the past, and he found him a frustrating presence again at the O2, where he fell to a 7-5, 7-5 defeat on Sunday.

However, Federer has insisted that the defeat ultimately changes nothing for him.

“I thought the match was actually pretty even for a long period of time,” Federer said.

“I had my chances, I felt. I didn’t feel like I was outplayed or anything. Just maybe that first-round hiccup.

“It’s a normal tournament from here on forward. I’m not allowed to lose anymore.

“That’s how it is every week of the year for the last 20 years, so from that standpoint there is nothing new there.”

Austrian Thiem, who has five titles to his name this year, now holds a 5-2 win record over Federer.

The 26-year-old, who dumped his first match point into the net but converted at the second attempt, said: “It was a great performance, my first opening win here at the Finals.

“We had a good and close match, and it’s always special to beat Roger. You don’t get any presents from him.

“I’m very happy that I pulled through the last game.”

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Dominic Thiem Roger Federer

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