2018 ATP World Tour Finals Results: Sunday Results and Updated Schedule | Launderer’s report
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Roger Federer slipped to a surprise straight-set loss to Kei Nishikori in the 2018 ATP World Tour Final on Sunday.
Earlier, Kevin Anderson drew first blood in the round robin when he beat Dominic Thiem in the opening match of the tournament at the 02 Arena in London.
The pair opened the proceedings in the Lleyton Hewitt group, and Anderson got off to the best possible start with a victory in straight sets.
Sunday results, Lleyton Hewitt Group
(4) Kevin Anderson bt. (6) Dominic Thiem: 6-2, 7-6 (10)
(7) Kei Nishikori bt. (2) Roger Federer: 7-6(4), 6-3
Monday program, Guga Kuerten Group
Not before 2pm GMT/10am ET: (3) Alexander Zverev vs (5) Marin Cilic
Not before 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: (1) Novak Djokovic vs (8) John Isner
Federer’s struggles were evident from the start, although Nihiskori had to win a tie-break before salting the opening set on center court.
Things were even tougher for Federer in the second, as Nishikori attacked the 37-year-old’s serve. Federer earned his own break to gain some hope:
However, his dangerous adversary kept backing away:
Nishikori’s last break left Federer on the brink. He couldn’t cope with Nishikori’s range of shots, while he also couldn’t manage a fairly routine serve as Federer didn’t break once in the first set.
Some of Federer’s key shots let him down, his forehand leading to more than a few unforced errors, including for the decisive point.
It all added up to an unwanted piece of history for the 20-time Grand Slam champion:
In the opening game of the day, Anderson faced Thiem, and it quickly became apparent that the South African was in fine form:
Shortly after, he claimed the decisive break in the first set after a double fault and an unforced error from Thiem earned him two break points.
A love hold cemented his lead, and he had served the opener in 41 minutes.
Tennis commentator and writer Jose Morgado was impressed:
The second set was tighter, with Thiem holding his first four service games to like to keep Anderson at bay.
His opponent was equally resolute, however, and the pair inevitably reached a tiebreaker.
In a suitably close tiebreaker, Anderson emerged victorious after Thiem saved three match points.
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