Roger Federer comes through tough match thanks to his positive mindset

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.
Tough test: passed@rogerfederer survives a Tsonga onslaught to reach his 17th Halle quarter-final in 17 appearances! pic.twitter.com/X4cbaqtjn3
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 20, 2019
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.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Comment: Too early to declare whether Andy Murray’s comeback is for real
-
The Andy Murray odyssey and what it means for his chances of making Wimbledon
-
Juan Martin del Potro lifts lid on his injury hell and backs Andy Murray’s return
-
-
FAMOUS FIVE: Tennis comebacks Andy Murray will be hoping to emulate
-
Latest
-
Kevin Palmer
EXCLUSIVE – Leon Smith reflects on coaching Andy Murray and the role of the inspirational Judy Murray
Leon Smith looks back on his days coaching Andy Murray.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev goes ‘back to his family roots’ as he leaves Roger Federer’s management firm
Alexander Zverev confirms changes to his team.
-
News
Tennis players’ isolation complaints given short shrift by Victorian Premier
A total of 72 players are unable to leave their rooms.
-
ATP Tour
Kevin Anderson on potential ATP-WTA merger: ‘There have been no real discussions’
No ATP-WTA merger talks underway.
-
Australian Open
‘Players upset’ over privileges afforded to Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem
“It’s not apples and apples here, but apples and pears.”
-
News
More Australian Open players go into isolation taking number up to 72
Forty-seven had already been quarantined.
-
News
How Australian Open players are keeping themselves occupied in quarantine
A total of 47 players forced to quarantine.
-
News
Australian Open preparations rocked by fourth positive Covid case
A positive test was returned on a charter flight from LA.
-
News
Players were made aware of isolation risks on arrival to Australia – Craig Tiley
Forty seven players to remain in their hotel rooms.