Federer writes another record with sixth year-end trophy

By Bill Scott Nov 27, 2011, 22:29 GMT

London - Roger Federer capped a superlative late-season run on Sunday when he won a record sixth title at the ATP World Tour Finals with a 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3 defeat of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

The victory in two hours, 18 minutes meant the 70th trophy for 16-time Grand Slam winner Federer, who was playing in his 100th career final.

The Swiss compiled a 17-match win streak, winning consecutive titles in Basle, Paris and London to add to his Doha trophy from January.

'It feels very special, indeed,' said Federer. 'I've been trying to sort of block it out for the entire tournament, the entire time I've been here in London.'

'I just tried to recuperate from Basel and Paris and hopefully get through the round robin stages.'

'So now it's finally sort of reality that I've been able to win six World Tour Finals. It's an amazing feeling. I know it's one of my greatest accomplishments.'

Tsonga denied Federer as the Swiss served for the match leading 5-4 in the second set and also saved a match point in the second-set tiebreaker with a forehand winner.

Federer had to go into a deciding set, breaking in the penultimate game and finally winning on the first of three more match points.

'I couldn't be more happy or more exhausted,' said the Swiss, who missed on a match point in the second set but recovered in the third to end his season on a high note.

'Jo sucked every last (bit of) energy out of me today. I couldn't be happier that the season ends now and that it ended this way.'

Federer has beaten Tsonga on the last three Sundays after winning the Paris title and starting his London week with a group victory against the Frenchman.

The pair have now played eight times in 2011, with Federer standing 6-2 in that period.

Federer has moved back to third in the rankings past Scot Andy Murray as he goes into what will be a satisfying off-season.

'This definitely is an amazing finish again to the season, I've never finished so strong,' he said.

'I thought I played well, I thought Jo played well. I had a chance to go a double break in the second. I had chances to serve it out. I had chances in the tiebreaker. It wasn't meant to be.'

Tsonga said he was again outplayed by the Swiss.

'Today I fought all I can, I'm just happy tonight because I had a good week. Of course, to win is better.

'But I gave everything. Tonight I can see myself in the mirror and say, Yeah, you fought enough.'

Federer ended with 11 aces - the same as Tsonga who won that ATP category for the season - and produced 30 winners with 26 unforced errors. He broke on three of his nine chances.

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