Roger Federer comes through tough match thanks to his positive mindset

ATP Tour
Roger Federer

Roger Federer believes staying positive while the going got tough was key to his victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the Halle Open.

The nine-times champion didn’t have it all his own way as he was taken the distance by the Frenchman, claiming a 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 7-5 win in the second round.

After no breaks of serve in the first set, Federer initially had the upper hand in the second with a break in game one, but Tsonga came back strongly to break twice while the crucial break in set three came in game 11.

“Jo was able to pick up his game and do better especially on the return,” Federer told ATPTour.com. “I thought it was tough but for me, the key was clearly to stay positive because I wasn’t down in the score, it was just only even at one-set all, and I fought as much as I could and tried to stay with him because he really was able to pick up his game.

“I always knew it was going to be tight because he has got a great first serve. He’s got all the chances to hit great forehands. He remains dangerous throughout, and I knew obviously once I gave away that lead things will get very, very tight and they did. It was a great match, great atmosphere. I really enjoyed it.”

He will face Roberto Bautista Agut for a place in the semi-final after the Spaniard beat Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-1, 6-4.

Second seed Alexander Zverev, who had knee problem earlier in the week, looked in good shape as he beat Steve Johnson 6-3, 7-5 to set up a clash against David Goffin.

“I’m definitely happy with how things went,” Zverev said.

“Obviously my knee is still swollen but the pain is much less than it was a few days ago. I hope when the swelling goes out it will be much better.”

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