Roger Federer: Sky Sports pundit makes 2019 prediction after ATP Finals exit to Zverev

That is the opinion of Sky Sports pundit Peter Fleming.

Federer was way below his best as he submitted to Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the first semi-final of the ATP Finals at London’s 02 Arena on Saturday.

The world No 3 crashed out in straight sets – 7-5, 7-6 (7-5), although Zverev was booed in his post-match interview after stopping a point in the tie-break when the ball boy dropped a ball.

Federer’s form has wavered from the start of the year when he regained the top spot in the rankings after his triumph at the Rotterdam Open in February.

And Fleming admits Federer needs a break, however he will be use it wisely to ensure he is firing on all cylinders come the start of the 2019 season which kicks off with the Australian Open – the first Grand Slam event.

“No question he’ll be looking forward to it,” Fleming said about Federer after his defeat to Zverev at the ATP Finals.

“Federer did really well to win two matches here this week.

“We saw in his opening match against Nishikori that physically he wasn’t quite right, mentally he wasn’t up for it.

“Then he won two matches and he showed his experience, but today we saw a sub par physical performance from him.

“His body didn’t want to go and he’ll maybe have a month off and then a physical block of work and he’ll be ready to come back in Australia.”

With defeat against Zverev, Federer’s wait for his 100th career singles title continues.

Zverev, meanwhile, apologised to the fans after the match over the incident.

He said: “I apologised to Roger at the net already, he said it is OK and it is in the rules.

“I’m sorry this happened. I didn’t mean to upset anybody.”

The German will now face Djokovic in Sunday’s final after the world No 1 brushed aside Kevin Anderson with minimal fuss – 6-2, 6-2.