LONDON, (Reuters) – Roger Federer narrowly avoided another Jo-Wilfried Tsonga ambush in London yesterday as he began the defence of his ATP World Tour Finals title with a 6-2 2-6 6-4 victory as round-robin action began at the season-ending showpiece.
The Swiss endured one of the most painful losses of his year at Wimbledon in June when Tsonga blasted back from two sets down in their quarter-final and a repeat looked a distinct possibility in front of a 17,500 full house at the O2 Arena.
Federer, bidding for a record sixth title at the tournament, looked on course for a quick-fire victory when he ripped through the opening set in 21 minutes but he lost his way early in the second and the outcome was in the balance until Tsonga wavered in the final game of an entertaining opener.