Switzerland's Roger Federer poses with his trophy after defeating France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final of the Paris Masters tennis tournament, Nov 13, 2011. [Photo/Agencies] |
A resurgent Roger Federer swept past local favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1 7-6 to clinch his maiden Paris Masters title on Sunday and send a deafening warning to his rivals ahead of the ATP World Tour finals.
Swiss third seed Federer, who moved to one shy of Rafa Nadal's record of 19 Masters titles with a stunning display of sheer brilliance, became only the second player with titles in Roland Garros and Bercy - the two men's Paris tournaments.
"I'm very happy with my performance today," Federer, who captured his 69th career title from 99 finals, said at the courtside. "I'm amazed by how well I play.
"I don't think Jo played a bad match. It's good to complete the tournament so solidly."
Tsonga brushed aside suggestions he was tired after spending almost three hours on court in Saturday's semi-final victory over American John Isner and said Federer had deserved to win.
"I think he did a good start and after that he played more relaxed, it was easier for him," Tsonga told a news conference.
"Today I felt good but Roger was just better than me. I was in a good shape.
"I did not play very well all week, it was not my best tennis. I was a bit better today but against a player like Roger it is surely not enough."
Federer has had a mediocre season by his standards with the 16-times grand slam champion having won only one tournament going into November.