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