Federer passion undimmed as he plots 2019 campaign

LONDON: Roger Federer trained his sights on next season after a disappointing defeat in the last four at the ATP Finals brought his 2018 campaign to a premature halt.

The 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) loss to Alexander Zverev at London’s O2 Arena means Federer must wait until 2019 for a shot at his 100th title — a year in which he will turn 38.However, the Swiss was positive about his season and excited about returning to the court next year.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was out of the blocks in sensational style this season, defending his Australian Open title and at the age of 36 becoming the oldest world number one in the 45-year history of the ATP rankings.

“(Pete) Sampras once upon a time said, ‘If you win a Slam, it’s a good season’,” he said.He started the year with a career-best 17 straight wins, winning in Melbourne and Rotterdam before losing to Juan Martin del Potro in the final at Indian Wells. Two other titles followed, in Stuttgart and Basel.

But there were also major disappointments — at Wimbledon he lost to Kevin Anderson after leading by two sets and squandering a match point and he departed early from the US Open.“So I started great. I played super well in Australia again. So obviously I can’t wait to go back there in a couple of months. The second half of the season could have been better maybe. I also have high hopes to always do well.

“I’m happy I gave myself opportunities again in that second half of the season. I maybe lost a couple (of) close matches that could have changed things around for me a little bit. I don’t know, Paris or Wimbledon, whatever happened. “I’m here now. So I’m a little bit disappointed there because I believe I was close.”