Roger Federer praises Rafael Nadal, states he doesn't regret being No.2
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Roger Federer has heaped praise on Rafael Nadal for his dominance throughout the year in most tournaments and stated that he has no regrets losing out the No.1 spot to him. However, the Swiss' only lament was that he couldn’t stay in contention for the Montreal finals, Cincinnati, and U.S. Open.
Spanish ace Rafael Nadal was all but guaranteed a season-ending number one finish after 36-year-old Roger Federer decided to withdraw from the Paris Masters. However, the 19-time Grand Slam champion has stated that he doesn’t regret passing up this chance and believes that his old nemesis deserved the glory for his tenacity and persistence.
The 31-year-old was presented with the year-end award after Federer defeated American opponent Jack Sock 6-4 7-6(4) at the O2 Arena on Sunday, eyeing his seventh ATP Finals title. The Swiss ace told reporters, “He was better throughout the year. He played more tournaments. He was incredibly successful throughout. So, I don’t have any regrets because I feel like in my stage of my competition, my age, either it comes to me or it doesn’t.”
However, he did mention that he was upset about missing the North American hardcourt swing with a back injury.
“He had more gas left in the tank than I did. I couldn’t play as much as I’ve wanted. My only regret was I would have loved to be in contention through the Montreal finals, Cincinnati, U.S. Open.”
“In some ways, I’m happy he clinched it because he deserves it. And like this, I can focus on playing the tournament, and not
Federer has been quite judicial in picking his challenges this year after returning from his last season’s injury and in the process, has arguably had a better season than Nadal winning seven titles including the Australian Open and Wimbledon. But, Nadal, who has won the French and US open, pipped Federer with his Paris Masters participation.
