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Federer gears up for London finale

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LONDON: There is no let-up for Roger Federer as he prepares for his 12th consecutive appearance at the ATP’s season-ending extravaganza.

The oldest player in the eight-man ATP World Tour Finals draw at 32, the six-time former champion will begin on Tuesday against world number two Novak Djokovic, having come tantalizingly close to beating the Serb powerhouse in the semifinals of the Paris Masters.

Wins against the big-guns are becoming something of a rarity these days for the 17-time grand slam champion, whose days of lording it over the sport may be over but whose box-office appeal is still as strong as ever.

Federer’s place in the season finale was in jeopardy after a year, which by his own sky high standards has been lean, left him scrapping for points.

However, Federer’s strong run in Basel where he lost to Juan Martin del Potro in the final and again at the Paris Masters where he succumbed to Djokovic in the semis guaranteed his place.

An opener against Djokovic is a tough proposition though.

“It’s unusual, no doubt about it, back-to-back matches against Novak,” Federer, who was a set and a break up against the Serb on Saturday before being overpowered, said.

“But I’m always excited about these challenges.”

Federer, who has managed to win only one low-key title this year, faces a daunting task just to reach the semi-finals with Del Potro and Richard Gasquet also in his section.

Play begins on Monday in Group A with Czech Tomas Berdych, in his fourth consecutive appearance in London, taking on Swiss debutant Stanislas Wawrinka.

World number one Rafael Nadal, who could theoretically lose his top ranking to Djokovic if he flopped badly at a tournament he is yet to win will begin on Tuesday against compatriot David Ferrer. (Reuters)

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