Tsitsipas Takes Early Lead Over Federer In London
Stefanos Tsitsipas has jumped out to an early lead against Roger Federer in their Nitto ATP Finals semi-final clash in London. After saving a break point in the opening game of the match, the Greek took advantage of a missed Federer smash in the second game to break serve. He has gone on to open a 4-1 lead.
Federer and Tsitsipas have begun their battle in the semi-finals of the Nitto ATP Finals. In an inter-generational clash, Federer, 38, is trying to advance to the season finale title mach for the 11th time. Tsitsipas, 21, who a little more than 12 months ago won the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan, seeks to reach the final in his tournament debut.
Federer enjoys a 2-1 FedEx ATP Head2Head lead over Tsitsipas, who won the first meeting in the fourth round of the Australian Open in January before the Swiss superstar earned 6-4, 6-4 wins in the Dubai final and Basel semi-finals. In their past two meetings Federer has not been broken, saving three break points.
The 21-year-old Greek native leads this tournament in service games won (35 of 37, 95%) and Federer follows at 90% (28 of 31 games held). Federer is trying to reach his 11th tournament final and first since 2015 (l. to Djokovic). He won the last of a record six titles in 2011 (d. Tsonga).
First-Time Success: Tsitsipas is appearing in the semi-finals in his Nitto ATP Finals debut. Here are the players who qualified and reached the semi-finals or better in their debut at The O2 (since 2009):
- 2019 - Stefanos Tsitsipas
- 2018 - Kevin Anderson
- 2017 - Grigor Dimitrov (Champion), David Goffin (Finalist, alternate in '16), Jack Sock
- 2014 - Kei Nishikori
- 2013 - Stan Wawrinka
- 2009 - Robin Soderling
Age Differential: The 17-year age differential between Federer and Tsitsipas is the biggest in tournament history. In the past six meetings with a 15-year (or more) differential, the younger player won five times:
| Year | Players (Age) | Round | Age Diff. |
| 2019 | Federer (38) v. Tsitsipas (21) | SF | 17 |
| 2018 | Federer (37) l. Zverev (21) | SF | 15 |
| 2017 | Federer (36) d. Zverev (20) | RR | 15 |
| 1978 | Ashe (35) l. McEnroe (19) | F | 15 |
| 1978 | Ashe (35) l. McEnroe (19) | RR | 15 |
| 1987 | Connors (35) l. Becker (20) | RR | 15 |
| 1972 | Gimeno (35) l. Connors (20) | RR | 15 |
from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/2Xm07t4
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