Swiss Indoors Final: Juan Martin Del Potro has the last word

One long battle, one winner and two champions

After a suspenseful final of 2h44 minutes, the Argentinian Juan Martin Del Potro (ATP 8) defeated, Roger Federer (ATP 1) at the Jackobshalle in his home town yesterday in front of more than 9200 people. Roger Federer, the defending champion at the Swiss Indoors tournament, had won there in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 & 2011.

Never say never….

Del Potro, who had lost 6 times against Roger Federer this year, finally won the battle, with a close score of 6/4, 6/7, 7/6. After an amazing start from Del Potro with powerful first services and succeeding everything he tried, he won the first set in just 34 minutes. Federer lost his service at 2/2 and was never able to get it back.

In the second set Del Potro started serving less well and having to rely more on his second serve. In the meantime Roger Federer changed his game, became more aggressive, coming more to the net and trying to vary more his shots. His efforts paid off and he took the second set in a decisive tie-break (7-5).

In the last set, Roger Federer had a couple chances to break Del Potro, like three balls in the third game. It could have made the different for the Swiss. Del Potro, who looked more and more tired, held on and made it to the tie-break. It could have gone either way during the last few games but the tie-break turned quickly in the favor of Del Potro, who took the service of Federer early on. It was enough to make the difference and winning the tie-break (7-3).

Juan Martin Del Potro won the Swiss Indoors for the first time in his career. His tennis is at his best at the moment, after a long recovery due to a wrist injury. Last week he triumphed at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. While Del Potro is on his way to Paris for the Paris Bercy Open beginning today, Federer, last’s year winner, withdrew last night to prepare for the last tournament of the year.

The two may have to battle against each other again soon. The Barclays World Tour Finals in London at the O2 Arena will start on Nov 5th with the 8 best players in the world.

• Barclays World Tour Finals
• Basel
• Erste Bank Open
• Jackobshalle
• Juan Martin Del Potro
• Roger Federer
• Swiss Indoors
• tennis