It's a repeat of the Paris Masters final as Federer takes on Tsonga in what looks set to be an epic opener to this year's end of season finale in London. Federer and Tsonga have already contested numerous big matches in 2011 with the Frenchman stunning the Swiss in the Wimbledon quarter-finals. That defeat hit Federer pretty hard having led by two sets to love at one stage and Tsonga repeated the feat in Montreal a month later. However since then, Federer has twice gained his revenge, winning in straight sets at the US Open and easing through 6-1, 7-6(3) to claim his first Paris Masters title.

Federer is a five-time ATP World Tour Finals champion and the Swiss would love to cap his season with a record breaking sixth title. 

"It would be amazing to win for the sixth time," he said. "There's always pressure as defending champion but I'm used to it. I've done it so many times.  It's nice to be part of the top-eight at the end of the season and have a chance to finish the year on an absolute high. Whereas 90% of players or more are on vacation already or preparing for next year or the Davis Cup final, for us it continues and the focus is solely on us top guys. There's a lot of tennis left and I hope to be a part of it at the final weekend."

This is Tsonga's second ATP World Tour Finals. He qualified back in 2008 after a stunning breakthrough season where he made the Aussie Open final and he was in confident mood looking ahead to next week. 

"For me it is really important to start the tournament well, because when I play with a lot of confidence I know I can do big things and do well," he told the press. "In sport you are never sure about the level of your opponent, so I will just try to be as ready as possible."

However Federer is a consummate performer at this event and it will be a surprise if he doesn't prevail in straight sets.