World number five Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina successfully defended the Swiss Indoors Basel title after outlasting five-time champion and hometown favorite Roger Federer 7-6, 2-6, 6-4 in pulsating final on Sunday. This is the second year in a row that Del Potro and Federer duelled for this title. The championship match lasted two hours and 21 minutes.
“It was similar in intensity, rallies and the emotion of the fans [to the 2012 final],” Del Potro said. “The fans were cheering for him a lot, but they also respected me. They made a fantastic atmosphere. I think we played the best match of the tournament today.”
Del Potro has won an impressive four ATP 500 titles this season alone (Rotterdam, Citi Open – Washington, Japan Open – Tokyo and Swiss Indoors – Basel). The Argentine has already qualified for the ATP World Tour Finals which takes place from November 4 to 11 at The O2 in London.
“I have good memories of playing in London,” said del Potro. “I reached the final [in 2009]. All the players are fighting for the same challenge and it makes it a special tournament. I am confident in myself and my game. I know how to beat them, but I realise that I need to keep playing well.”
Federer is assured of qualifying for London if he wins the title but with the loss, the Swiss star will need to win his second round match at the Paris Masters 1000 tournament in Bercy to secure a place for the year-end championships for the 12th straight year.
“It was a pretty high level match overall,” said Federer. “Probably my best match of the tournament overall, but it is always difficult to judge when you lose.”
For winning his 17th career title, Del Potro received €348,000 and 500 ranking points. Federer got €156,800 and 300 points.
“I felt well. I tried to be positive after I lost a tough second set where I made a lot of mistakes. Roger started to play much better. In the final you cannot relax in any moment. I waited for my break point chance, which I got in the first game. Then, I tried to be solid on serve. The last two service games were my best of the whole tournament. It was good to see my serve was working very well,” Del Potro said.
“I did hand the break over to him too easily in the third set, but overall I did well today. I could have maybe won the first set, but in the second set I was getting better and better. It is a pity that I couldn’t have been tougher in the third. He did really well to serve it out. The last few of his service games were very solid. I was happy that after a lot of tough matches, I was able to withstand the challenge physically. The atmosphere was amazing. I really appreciate the crowd support,” Federer said.
“I think Roger is playing well. He played much better when he has the chance to play the top guys. His game improves automatically and looking forward to Paris and London he will be a tough opponent. For me he has the perfect game… and he is a big inspiration. I am very proud to have a good relationship with him, as I have learned a lot as a person and a tennis player,” Del Potro said.
