Federer's 1000th Victory

The new year saw all-time great Roger Federer achieve another impressive record. Playing a warm-up tournament in Brisbane, the Swiss went on to capture the title and record his 1000th career win, becoming just the third player in the Open Era to achieve the feat (after Connors' 1,215 and Lendl's 1,071).

The week started with a little hiccup, Federer having to recover from a set and a break down to overcome Australian John Millman in the opening round. It was cruise control from then on, Roger bringing on his A-game to defeat James Duckworth and Grigor Dimitrov with the loss of just 5 games (6-0,6-1 against Duckwort and 6-2,6-2 against Dimitrov).

The early stages of the final anticipated another comfortable victory, Roger establishing what seemed like a decisive lead. However, his opponent, young gun Milos Raonic, had other plans. He broke back to push the second set into a tie-break—which he won 7-2—then held numerous chances in the decider before finally succumbed to the inspired Swiss.

“It feels very different to any other match I've ever won because I never thought about reaching 500 or 800,” declared Roger after closing out a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-4 win. “All those numbers didn't mean anything to me, but for some reason 1,000 means a lot because it's such a huge number. It's funny emotions right now, but clearly very proud and happy.” 

“It means so much more than just running away with it and maybe winning 6-4, 6-4,” he said. “I guess I was much more happy having to go three sets in the end rather than winning in straight.”

In addition to achieving this amazing milestone, Federer strengthens his credential ahead of the Australian Open, where he aims at adding a so far elusive 18th Slam. The best of luck, king of tennis! #Federertowin

photo: GETTY IMAGES

Simona's Strong Start to 2015

A week that started hesitantly ended in superb fashion for Simona Halep, who found her dominant self to collect the first title of the year in Shenzhen.

The Romanian went down the rabbit hole in the first match, recovering from a set and a break down to defeat fellow rising star, German Annika Beck. Once she cleared this hurdle, Halep cruised through the draw in straight sets to set up a final match-up with comeback kid, Swiss Timea Bacsinszky. The latter produced the surprise of the tournament stunning reigning Wimbledon champion, Czech Petra Kvitova, in the semis.

Although not 100% at her best, Simona put on a flawless performance, ending Timea's Cinderella run with a commanding 6-2,6-2.

"I wasn't feeling very well before the match—I was a little bit sick—so I told myself I have nothing to lose, just go on court, be relaxed, stay focused and fight for every point," Halep explained.

"It worked, and I felt really relaxed today. I'm happy I could play better day by day and match by match here. I'm looking forward to playing like today in the next tournament, maybe even better."

The result strenghtens Halep's credentials going into the Australian Open, where Simona hopes to claim her maiden Grand Slam crown: "I don't want to put any pressure on myself for the Australian Open. I have to be focused there, and I hope to win many matches there, but it'll be tough. I'll just try to do everything I did here."

photo: GETTY IMAGES

The 2014 ATP Moods Awards

For me the biggest story of 2014 was Roger Federer's superb return to top form. Although he missed out on his biggest objective—namely winning another Grand Slam—the Swiss achieved a series of astonishing accolades, the most important being bringing Switzerland its first Davis Cup trophy. We can even say the season belonged to Switzerland with its top two players finishing inside the top 4. While Roger is an established presence at the top of the rankings, it was Stan who stole the spotlight with his maiden Grand Slam success in Australia. However, nothing compared to Marin Cilic's shocking triumph at the US Open.

2014 was a year when the young guns really rose to the occasion. Nishikori made the final at Flushing Meadows, Gulbis reached the semis at Roland Garros, while Raonic and Dimitrov achieved the same feat at Wimbledon. The foursome also broke into the top 10 for the first time, anticipating an imminent change of guards. 

While some got to shine bright, others weren't that fortunate. Juan Martin del Potro and veteran Tommy Haas where sidelined for most of the season, while Rafael Nadal struggled with serious injuries after his Roland Garros victory.

Exciting new Aussie prospect, Nick Kyrgios, made headlines at Wimbledon where he stunned Nadal to reach the quarterfinals. Hard-working Russian, Nikolay Davydenko, a former regular top 10er  hung up the racket after failing to regain top form.

All in all, it was an exhillarating 2014, which opens the door to a more sensational 2015. Tennis Moods looks back at all these incredible stories and rewards these amazing champions. Congrats to all the 2014 ATP Moods Awards winners!

The 'World's Greatest' Award (for the best player of the year)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Novak Djokovic

The 'He Found Love' Award (for the most improved player of the year)

Winner: Kei Nishikori

Runner-up: Milos Raonic

The 'Homecoming' Award (for the most spectacular comeback)

Winner: David Goffin

Runner-up: Andy Murray

The 'He Works Hard for the Money' Award (for the most hard-working player)

Winner: Andy Murray 

Runner-up: David Ferrer

The 'Here I Am' Award (for the newcomer of the year)

Winner: Grigor Dimitrov

Runner-up: Roberto Bautista Agut

The 'We Are Young' Award (for the most promising youngster on the tour)

Winner: Nick Kyrgios

Runner-up: Borna Coric

The 'Talk That Talk' Award (for the wittiest player on the tour)

Winner: Bob & Mike Bryan

Runner-up: Novak Djokovic

The 'Broken Hearted Boy' Award (for the most disappointing player of the year)

Winner: Juan Martin del Potro

Runner-up: Tommy Haas

The 'King of Hearts' Award (for the Tennis Moods' favourite)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

The 'I Will Always Love You' Award (for the player who retired this year and will be missed the most)

Winner: Nikolay Davidenko

Runner-up: Olivier Rochus

The 'When We Collide' Award (for the most spectacular doubles team)

Winner: Bob & Mike Bryan

Runner-up: Vasek Pospisil & Jack Sock

The 'Fashion of His Love' Award (for the best dressed player throughout the year)

Winner: Grigor Dimitrov

Runner-up: Roger Federer

The 'Imagine' Award (for the most emotional story of the year)

Winner: Stan Wawrinka winning Australian Open

Runner-up: Roger Federer losing the Wimbledon final

The 'I Dreamed a Dream' Award (for the accomplishment of a dream)

Winner: Marin Cilic winning US Open

Runner-up: Stan Wawrinka winning Australian Open

The 'Clash of Titans' Award (for the most exhilarating duel of the year)

Winner: Roger Federer & Novak Djokovic

Runner-up: Roger Federer & Stan Wawrinka

SEE ALSO: The 2011 ATP Moods Awards, The 2012 ATP Moods Awards, and The 2012 ATP Moods Awards

photos: GETTY IMAGES

The 2014 WTA Moods Awards

2014 was definitely one of the most interesting years on the WTA tour. The once unshaven dominance of Serena Williams was strongly contested not by closest rival, Victoria Azarenka, but by the rising stars Simona Halep and Eugenie Bouchard. In addition to these young guns, established players like Ana Ivanovic, Caroline Wozniacki, Andrea Petkovic, Venus Williams, or Alize Cornet made a much-awaited return to top form. Frenchwoman Cornet achieved what once seemed like an impossible performance, stunning Serena three consecutive times to derail the American's quest for an historic 18th Slam. After struggling in the first half of the season, Williams caught wings during the North American season when she successfully defended her US Open crown, before claiming the WTA Championships trophy and ensuring another No.1 season-ending finish. 

Simona Halep won over the world during her heartbreaking defeat to Maria Sharapova in the French Open final—the Russian proving once again she is the queen of clay. After two semifinals, Genie Bouchard took it one step further by reaching the Wimbledon final, becoming the first Canadian to achieve the feat. Other youngsters who have made their mark in 2014 were Belinda Bencic—who made the quarterfinals at the US Open—Caroline Garcia and Madison Keys—who both won their maiden title—as well as Spanish Garbine Muguruza, who stunned Serena at Roland Garros en route to the last eight.

Making a powerful revival this season was former world No.1, Ana Ivanovic—who collected four titles to strengthen her presence inside the top 5—Flavia Pennetta—who claimed the biggest title of her career at Indian Wells—and Andrea Petkovic, who won three titles and made the semifinals at Roland Garros. 

In the shock of the season, recently crowned Australian Open champion Na Li announced her retirement from the game due to medical reasons. But while other hang up the racquet, other were mounted a fabulous comeback. Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, the former teen prodigy, stirred waters with her fourth round appearance at Flushing Meadows, before making tennis history with her title in Quebec. 

Although Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci maintained their doubles supremacy, Martina Hingis and Flavia Pennetta joined forces late in the season to form the most enthusiastic duo on the tour.

Tennis Moods looks back at all these incredible stories and rewards these amazing champions. Congrats to all the 2014 WTA Moods Awards winners!

The 'World's Greatest' Award (for the best player of the year)

Winner: Serena Williams

Runner-up: Simona Halep

The 'She Found Love' Award (for the most improved player of the year)

Winner: Eugenie Bouchard

Runner-up: Ana Ivanovic

The 'Homecoming' Award (for the most spectacular comeback)

Winner: Mirjana Lucic-Baroni

Runner-up: Caroline Wozniacki

The 'She Works Hard for the Money' Award (for the most hard-working player)

Winner: Angelique Kerber

Runner-up: Agnieszka Radwanska

The 'Here I Am' Award (for the newcomer of the year)

Winner: Eugenie Bouchard

Runner-up: Garbine Muguruza

The 'We Are Young' Award (for the most promising youngster on the tour)

Winner: Belinda Bencic

Runner-up: Caroline Garcia

The 'Talk That Talk' Award (for the wittiest player on the tour)

Winner: Caroline Wozniacki

Runner-up: Na Li

The 'Broken Hearted Girl' Award (for the most disappointing player of the year)

Winner: Victoria Azarenka

Runner-up: Maria Kirilenko

The 'Queen of Hearts' Award (for the Tennis Moods' favourite)

Winner: Victoria Azarenka

Runner-up: Ana Ivanovic

The 'When We Collide' Award (for the most spectacular doubles team)

Winner: Martina Hingis & Flavia Pennetta

Runner-up: Timea Babos & Kristina Mladenovic

The 'I Feel Pretty' Award (for the the most beautiful player)

Winner: Eugenie Bouchard

Runner-up: Maria Kirilenko

The 'Fashion of Her Love' Award (for the best dressed player throughout the year)

Winner: Venus Williams

Runner-up: Eugenie Bouchard

The 'Paparazzi' Award (for the most memorable outfit of the season)

Winner: Serena Williams (US Open outfit)

Runner-up: Caroline Wozniacki (US Open outfit)

The 'I Will Always Love You' Award (for the player who retired this year and will be missed the most)

Winner: Na Li

Runner-up: Dinara Safina

The 'Imagine' Award (for the most emotional story of the year)

Winner: Simona Halep reaching the Roland Garros final

Runner-up: Simona Halep reaching the WTA Championships

The 'I Dreamed a Dream' Award (for the accomplishment of a dream)

Winner: Na Li winning the Australian Open

Runner-up: Dominika Cibulkova reaching the Australian Open final

The 'Hero' Award (for the braveheart performance of the year)

Winner: Maria Sharapova at Roland Garros

Runner-up: Serena Williams at the WTA Championships

The 'Clash of Titans' Award (for the most exhilarating duel of the year)

Winner: Simona Halep & Maria Sharapova

Runner-up: Ana Ivanovic & Maria Sharapova

SEE ALSO: The 2011 WTA Moods Awards, The 2012 WTA Moods Awards, and The 2013 WTA Moods Awards

Federer Adds Another Jewel to His Crown

In a season in which he mounted a stunning comeback to top form, all-time great Roger Federer added another jewel to his crown, when he led his nation to its first Davis Cup trophy.

Although he did not win a major, Federer enjoyed a superb 2014. In addition to the epic Wimbledon final—which he lost in 5 sets to Djokovic—the Swiss claimed 2 Masters 1000 titles (i.e. Cincinnati and Shanghai) and made the final at the Season's Ending Championships—where he controversially forfeited a few minutes before the final against Djokovic. Many have believed the decision was meant to maximize his chances of playing against France in the Davis Cup final. Bothered by a severe back injury since the start of the week, Federer withdrew from a tournament for just the third time in his career. Despite the seriousness of the issue, Roger's camp was adamant he will be fit for the big battle. 

To be fit is one thing, while to be able to bring home the trophy is a completely different story. As a matter of fact, it was the Australian Open champion who delivered the goods for his country by beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to compensate for Federer's surprise loss to Gael Monfils. "Stan has put in so much effort over the years. He played an unbelievable weekend and that is what gave me the opportunity today," said Federer.

Although there have been discussions of a row between the two Swiss greats, the duo put a stop to the rumours by teaming up to put Switzerland in front following a victory in the double. Rejuvenated by the result, Federer crushed Richard Gasquet to conquer Switzerland's first Davis Cup crown.

"For me personally, obviously I'm unbelievably happy because I've been playing in this competition for probably almost 15 years now. At the end of the day I wanted it more for the guys. This one is for the boys," said a teary Federer after closing out a 6-4 6-2 6-2 victory over Gasquet. "This is not for me, I have won enough. I am just happy we can give everyone in our country a historic moment."

For Federer, the triumph marks the completion of a golden career. Having won all four Grand Slam and the Olympic gold, he has now strengthen his credentials as the world's greatest player of all time. "It was definitely one of the better feelings in my career, no doubt about it," he said. "So much nicer to celebrate it all together. 

"So thanks for running up to me and screaming in my ear. It was good fun."

I want to see Federer lift at least another Slam next year, while also making an emphatic return to world No.1. Let's do this, champ! #Federermagic

Federer and Wawrinka dismissed rumors of a feud when they teamed up to dismiss Julien Benneteau and Richard Gasquet and put Switzerland in front.

The doubles victory put Federer in an excellent position to bring home Switzerland's first Davis Cup trophy. The all time great dismissed Richard Gasquet to complete the job and make history for his country.

Michael Lammer, Marco Chiudinelli, Stan Wawrinka, Roger Federer, and captain Severin Luthi (from left to right) made history for Switzerland by claiming the country's first Davis Cup trophy.

photos: GETTY IMAGES

Champion of Champions. Petko Has the Final Laugh in Sofia

A week she started on the wrong foot ended in superb fashion for the ultra-popular Andrea Petkovic who clinched the title in the last edition of the Tournament of Champions in Sofia. After being crushed by Carla Suarez Navarro in the opening round robin match, the German picked herself to cruise past Australian Open runner-up Dominika Cibulkova and home hope Tsvetlana Pironkova. With a 2-1 record, she was second in her group and qualified for the semis. 

Having found her game at the best moment, Petko defeated rising star Garbine Muguruza 6-1,6-4 to book a date with Italy's Flavia Pennetta in the final. The match was once again an uphill battle. Flavia was untouchable in the early stages. She was magnificent, sealing the opener 6-1. But as usually with the Italian, she cannot really keep up the intensity for long. As soon as the opponent begins to fight back, she loses the momentum and the battle turns around. That exactly what Petkovic did. She stayed with Pennetta until she saw the opportunity to strike blood, turning things around to claim an epic 1-6,6-4,6-3 victory.

"I love watching Flavia play, but I hate playing her because she's so difficult to play!" said the German. "I'm happy I could gather enough energy and play well enough to win it in the end."

Both players had a great season. Petkovic won three titles—Charleston, Bad Gastein, and now Sofia—in addition to reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal at Roland Garros. Flavia made the quarterfinals at both the Australian and the US Open and won the biggest crown of her career in Indian Wells. After some tough months marred with injuries, the duo has fought its way back into the top 15 and are seriously threatening to go higher next year. 

"I'm happy I met Flavia in the final because we've both been coming back from injury this year," declared Andrea. "I was so happy when she won Indian Wells because I know what she went through, and so it's even nicer to play her for this title today. I hope the next season is even better for her."

This event marked the end of the regular 2014 season. There are a few 125k tournaments left and of course, the Fed Cup final, but most players have already booked a truly deserved vacation. Petkovic is not one of them though, as the German is hoping to help her country lift the Fed Cup crown for the first time since 1992. Go, #teamGermany!

The exclusive field in Sofia consisted of, from left to right, Andrea Petkovic, Flavia Pennetta, Tsvetlana Pironkova, Ekaterina Makarova, Garbine Muguruza, Dominika Cibulkova, Carla Suarez Navarro, respectively Alize Cornet.

Flavia had a good week in Sofia being very close to lifting the trophy. She was in an excellent position to close out the victory before Petkovic fought back to eventually win an epic final.

Although she lost the first match, Andrea Petkovic rebounded in great style to clinch the trophy. She beat Italian Flavia Pennetta 1-6,6-4,6-3 to crown herself champion of champions in Sofia.

photos: Anton Stakov, Desislava Kulelieva, Anton Stakov

Roger Continues Charge with Hometown Glory

Roger Federer took full advantage of his recent run of excellent form as he crowned himself champion at his hometown tournament in Basel.

The Swiss was in cruise control throughout the week and, although he dropped two sets (with Uzbek Denis Istomin and Croat Ivo Karlovic respectively), he found his game when it mattered most. He beat red-hot Belgian David Goffin 6-2,6-2 to claim his 6th trophy on homesoil. It's worth mentioning that Federer took advantage of some convenient defeats. For example his arch-rival, second-seeded Rafael Nadal, lost to 17 y.o. Croatian sensation Borna Coric in the quarterfinals.

"It is always such a treat to be in the final here, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd," confessed Roger. "It's why I play tennis, why I play the tournament here in Basel. It will remain very special for me personally.

The triumph is crucial for the Swiss who closes the gap in the battle for the year-end No.1 finish. Novak Djokovic now leads the race by less than 500 points, a very narrow margin considering there are 2500 points left up for grabs in the two final tournaments. Paris will probably shed more light on the matter, but the ATP World Tour Championships in London will have the final say. 

"It would be very special to reclaim No. 1," told Federer. "World No. 1 is what it's all about in our game. With the year I have had and the amount of finals I have played, the level of tennis I have played, I am pleased to see that I have a shot. But having a shot and being there is two separate things. I am sure that Novak is going to come in very motivated, just after having a baby. I am very happy for him. There are clearly interesting weeks ahead."

As the Swiss said, there are definitely interesting times ahead, so let's wish him the best of luck! #Letsdothis #FedererMagicIsOn

Federer continued his quest for the year-end No.1 position by claiming his sixth hometown crown in Basel. In the final, the Swiss beat red-hot Belgian David Goffin 6-2,6-2.

photos: GETTY IMAGES

Old Fox Serena Still Reigns Supreme

It's clear to me that a miracle doesn't happen every day—that's why it's called a miracle. When Simona Halep destroyed world No.1 Serena Williams in their round robin match, the world was quick to announce the emergence of a new queen. The Romanian had played fabulous tennis in her first two clashed losing a total of seven games against Serena (6-0,6-2) and Canadian darling, Eugenie Bouchard (6-2,6-3). Courteosy of the result, she was guaranteed a place in the semis independent on the outcome of her final clash with Ana Ivanovic. However, should she had lost to the Serb in straight sets, her biggest rival, i.e. Serena, would exit the competition and Ivanovic would go through. 

The situation was tricky. On one hand you don't want to give Serena a chance at revenge, but on the other hand you want to win the battle on court and dot want to get involved in strategic calculations—or need be, do you? The confusion was such that it completely derailed Simona. She "chose" the worst option: she lost to Ivanovic in three sets. It's easy to do the shoulda-woulda-coulda now, but in my view a true champion should be smart and make the most of his/her opportunities. What followed was the most natural of scenarios: Halep crushed Radwanska in the semis, Serena struggled against bestie Wozniacki, and the two got to meet again in the championship showdown.

Simona was overconfident that she can beat Williams again. She started strong breaking her opponent to seize an early lead. What she didn't consider is that the American is the fiercest competitor out there and that she's at her best when she feels she has nothing to lose. In a fracture of a second, she turned things around going to serve out a devastating 6-3,6-0 victory to three-peat at the Season's Ending WTA Championships.

"She was playing so well in the first set, like she did the last time we played," Williams said. "I was literally on the side of the court and I laughed. But then I just told myself I had nothing to lose. I knew I just had to relax and start playing better if I wanted to win—and I really wanted to win."

"It's just been an unbelievable week," Williams confessed. "I just started training again last week because I had such a bad knee in Beijing. I can't believe I even made it to Singapore, and now I have the Billie Jean King Trophy, so I'm just really excited."

To add to the celebration, Serena also clinched the year-end No.1 spot this week, for the second season running, straightening her reign as the WTA's leading lady. In 2014, the American didn't have things quite her way, having to wait until the US Open to make a Grand Slam quarterfinals. However, she won in New York and she retained the No.1 ranking throughout the season. With the emergence of the young guns, it remains to be seen if she can maintain her dominance in 2015. My guess is that Serena will not go away any time soon. 

In their round robin match, Simona Halep destroyed Serena, stunning the world No.1 6-0,6-2.

Courtesy of the results this week, Serena clinched the year-end No.1 trophy for the second season running.

When the two met again in the final, Serena was better prepared. She returned the favour, quickly dismissing Halep 6-3,6-0 to three-peat at the WTA Championships in Singapore. 

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