Roger Federer proves he is the Born Survivor of tennis as demolition of Dominic Thiem keeps ATP Finals hopes alive
Swiss star recently spent time away from the court eating fish eyeballs with TV adventurer Bear Grylls
ROGER FEDERER proved he is the Born Survivor of tennis as he remains alive in the Nitto ATP Finals.
The Swiss star recently spent time away from the court with TV adventurer Bear Grylls, gorging on fish eyeballs, turning tennis racquets into snows shoes and abseiling down a frozen waterfall.
And in a key match that would ultimately seal his fate, Federer brushed aside any dangers to thrash Austrian Dominic Thiem 6-2 6-3 in the group stages at the O2 Arena.
The 37-year-old made amends for his shock defeat to Japan’s Kei Nishikori on Sunday and he said: “I’m happy I showed a reaction after the last match.
“It’s not something I’m used to: losing a game and then having to come back straightaway.
“I guess it was one of those days where you wake up and you feel good and then all of a sudden, you just can’t produce what you are used to.”
Asked about his appearance on Running Wild with Bear Grylls, Federer added: “I had a good time. Now, if it came across good or not, that's up to the people to decide. He's a great guy. Super friendly, super positive as well.
“He wrote me, too. He was excited it was airing. He wanted me also to show a reaction today because he wasn't happy with what he saw.
“I thought it was a great trip. I'm happy I did it. I'm happy it finally aired here in Britain, as well. I hope the people enjoyed it.”
Federer, who breezed through in 66 minutes and enjoyed four breaks of serve, will now face giant Kevin Anderson on Thursday.
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The South African, making his debut at this event, embarrassed Nishikori 6-0 6-1 in the afternoon session to maintain his 100% start to the tournament.
Federer lost an epic five-setter to Anderson at the Wimbledon quarter-finals and he said: “I want revenge.
“I only hope I don’t play the Kevin that came out earlier. It’s never easy to play against himself in indoors. He can serve well for a long time.”
On the eve of the match, French doubles player Julien Benneteau accused tennis officials of giving Federer preferential treatment and a conflict of interest with his Laver Cup format.
On the eve of the match, French doubles player Julien Benneteau accused tennis officials of giving Federer preferential treatment and a conflict of interest with his Laver Cup format.
When asked if his agent had make specific scheduling requests during tournaments, Federer replied: "I get asked: 'Would you like to play Monday or Tuesday sometimes?' Sometimes I get asked: 'Do you want to play day or night?'
"Sometimes they go ask the agent. Sometimes they ask me, you know, Asia wants you to play at night.
"Yes, sometimes we have our say. But I asked to play Monday at the US Open. I played Tuesday night.
"It's all good, you know. I've had that problem for 20 years in the good way. Sometimes I get help, sometimes I don't."
Jamie Murray and Brazilian partner Bruno Soares reached the semi-finals for the third successive year after they beat Colombians Robert Farah and Juan Sebastian Cabal 6-4 6-3.