Roger Federer is looking to win the ATP World Tour Finals for the seventh time and starts on court at the O2 against American Sock this afternoon.
The 36-year-old has a 3-0 head to head lead over Sock with their last duel in March when Federer won 6-1 7-6 at the BNP Paribas Open semi-finals in Indian Wells.
This is Sock’s first time competing at the tournament but Federer is not taking his opponent lightly after he won the Paris Masters earlier this month.
“He had a wonderful week in Paris. He was almost out in the first round against Kyle Edmund and then ends up winning the whole thing,” Federer said.
“He’s confident and likes the big stage. I know that from the good match we had in Indian Wells. I can expect a tough one.”
ROGER FEDERER VS JACK SOCK LIVE (*denotes next on serve)
Roger Federer* 2-1 Jack Sock
Sock is still trying to find his feet and Federer is punishing him with his backhand as he makes another fine shot to make it 15-30.
The American holds his nerve though as Federer’s shot goes wide and Sock gets his first game on the board.
Roger Federer 2-0 *Jack Sock
Federer races to a 30-0 lead before some neat work around the court takes Sock level.
The Swiss then makes the most of his advantage at the first attempt as he overcomes a long rally to lead 2-0.
Roger Federer* 1-0 Jack Sock
A shaky start for Sock as he loses the first two points before serving up an ace and then sending a strong forehand down the line to draw level.
Federer responds with a forehand winner of his own and then Sock can’t reach a fierce backhand. Not the start Sock would have wanted.
Welcome
So it’s ATP World Tour Finals time – the last chance to secure a title in 2017.
All eyes will be on Roger Federer with the bookies and the pundits backing him to secure his seventh victory at this tournament.
But Rafael Nadal – who is in action tomorrow – could be the man to stop Federer’s season ending on a high.
First up for the Swiss is American Jack Sock though.
The players are making their way out on court.
