London Saturday Diary - Father Figures & Emotions At The Fore

© Getty ImagesRobert Federer has been courtside to support his son all week at The O2.

Each day during the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals we’ll take a look at the happenings on and off the court at the season finale.

Father Figures
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s father Didier leapt out of his seat in celebration after the Frenchman clinched his place in the title match at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, and the World No. 6 admitted that having him there gave him an extra boost. "It’s really good; it gives me a lot of motivation," said Tsonga. "For me it’s difficult. I [make] a lot of sacrifices. I sacrifice all my family and my friends because I cannot see them every time. It’s good to share this with them."

Roger Federer’s father, Robert, has also been a visible presence at The O2 this week, supporting his son from the sidelines during matches and practice. Robert shared with ATPWorldTour.com earlier this week that he enjoyed seeing the outpouring of support for his son. "This is what I actually really like, whether I’m in Indian Wells or Australia or wherever I go, is actually the reception he gets all over the world when he steps on court," he said.

Watch Robert Federer Interview

Both fathers can undoubtedly expect rousing receptions for their popular sons Sunday, when the pair face off for the circuit finale title.

It’s Just Emotions Taking Me Over...
Few can forget the tears of joy Federer shed at winning his first Wimbledon crown in 2003, nor the anguish he displayed at losing out to Rafael Nadal in the 2009 Australian Open final. Emotions, the Swiss explained, are never far from the surface when he is competing.

"I've always been an emotional tennis player," said Federer. "I used to be so emotional when I used to lose. Then eventually, I think it was the first time in Davis Cup against the Americans after winning singles, doubles, singles, I was so exhausted, the pressure left me, I think I had tears in my eyes after winning. It was the first time I had winning tears.

"Ever since, I've had many of them! I've been an emotional player when all is said and done really. But I try to keep my emotions in check while the tournament is going on because I feel like I need to save it in case there is something more. Can't be an emotional rollercoaster throughout the whole career, season, or match."

Let’s Meet Again
When Federer and Tsonga meet in the final of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals on Sunday, it will mark the 15th time the two finalists have clashed twice in the year-end championships since it first occurred in Houston in 1976, and the fourth time involving Federer. In eight of the previous 14 times, the player who lost the round-robin match came back to win in the final:

Ready To Lay It All On The Line
Tsonga will play Federer for the third Sunday in a row when the pair clashes at The O2 tomorrow, and after losing out to the Swiss in both those past two Sundays – in the BNP Paribas Masters final and in their Group B round robin match - the Frenchman is ready to throw the kitchen sink at Federer to get the win.

"I will give everything. If I have to break my two ankles to win, I will do it for sure (laughter)," declared Tsonga after beating Tomas Berdych in Saturday’s semi-finals. "I know it's the last match so I will give it everything. I know right after that it's the party, so it's good (smiling)."

Tsonga’s New Star Fan
Tsonga’s charismatic style of play and winning smile have earned him a legion of fans around the world, and the Frenchman can now count Mollie King among his admirers after The Saturdays’ singer watched courtside as he dismantled Berdych in the semi-finals. Afterwards, the singer tweeted:

@MollieTheSats: Having the most amazing time with #lacoste at the ATP tennis!!! Bring it on Tsonga! Watch out Federer, here comes one killer serve and back hand!!..or something like that!

Celebrity Watch
Mollie King wasn’t the only famous face in the 17,500 sell-out crowd at both sessions on Saturday at The O2. Also in attendance were Jamaican-American singer Grace Jones, Merlin actor Bradley James, model David Gandy, Brit Award winner KT Tunstall – who also performed at 'A Night With The Stars' Charity Gala, and footballers Jack Wilshere, Niko Krankjar, and Robert Pires.

Inside Janko’s Locker
In his second video blog from the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, Janko Tipsarevic takes you inside his personal locker room at The O2, and reveals the special rule he has in an attempt to curb his bad habit of forever losing personal items.

Watch Janko's Blog

Last Chance To Bid
Only a couple of days remain in the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Player Locker Auction, which benefits Save the Children and charities of the players’ choices. This is your last chance to win the contents of lockers stocked by each of the Top 8 singles players competing in this year's tournament, with Federer’s locker already attracting a top bid of more than $17,000. Bidding ends on Monday, 28th November, between 5pm - 8:30pm GMT – Place Your Bid Now!