| 21 November 2011
There were no shocks at the ATP Tour Finals yesterday as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal came through their opening matches unscathed.
Those looking at betting offers note how Federer had to work hard for his victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga though, with the former World No.1 eventually coming through to win 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in one hour and 28 minutes.
Federer dominated the first set before Tsonga hit back. An upset then looked like a distinct possibility, but Federer showed his experience to come through in the third set.
Speaking afterwards, he said: “Jo-Wilfried served well in the second set and it was hard to control the rallies at the baseline.”
“But I think this is the best I've played all year. It helped that I had some good time off before playing great at Basel and Paris.”
Tsonga added: “I think he was a bit surprised because I played so bad in the first set, then I played correctly in the second, but it's always difficult because he's really quick.”
"Sometimes you think you will get the point but Roger is still there. That's why it's tough to play against him.”
As for Nadal, he had to work a lot harder for victory against Mardy Fish in a match that entertained the O2 arena crowd for two hours and 53 minutes.
Nadal eventually won 6-2 3-6 7-6 (7-3), with the game finishing at 11.30pm, meaning that several spectators had to leave before the match came to an end.
This raised questions about the start time – single matches are not to start before 8pm – something which event organisers might have to look at in the future.
Nevertheless, those assessing the best betting sites will agree that it was a thrilling first day of ATP World Tour Finals action at the O2 arena and spectators will hope that there is many more matches like the Nadal v Fish to come.
Speaking of Nadal, the Spaniard has reacted angrily to comments from former tennis player Yannick Noah who suggested that Spanish players can only be truly successful with a ‘magic potion’.
Nadal said: “What he said is completely stupid. This guy does not deserve to write in newspapers anymore.”
Action at the O2 arena continues this evening with Andy Murray in action against David Ferrer.
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