Photo: AFP

Roger Federer can reflect with satisfaction on a season in which he reached his century of titles but his campaign will be defined by the one that got away at Wimbledon.

The Swiss veteran exacted revenge on Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals in London but could not get past Greek youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semifinal on Saturday.

It meant no fairy-tale end to the season for Federer, who now has 103 singles titles in his long and illustrious career - just six behind all-time record holder Jimmy Connors.

The 38-year-old won four titles in 2019, including the ­Miami Masters, winning for the 10th time in both Halle and Basel and reaching the semi­finals at the French Open.

The victory on grass in Halle set him up nicely for a shot at a ninth Wimbledon crown but he fell agonisingly short, failing to convert two championship points on his own serve against Djokovic.

Federer himself insisted the pain of defeat at the All England Club did not linger long, saying it took two weeks at most to move on.

But he clearly relished his brilliant victory against his Serbian rival in his final round-­robin match in London this week, during which his serve worked like a dream and he made just five unforced errors.

With no Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the semifinals, Federer looked to have a great chance to win a record-extending seventh title at the end-of-year event.

But he was unable to hit the same heights in his semifinal against Tsitsipas despite vocal support from a packed house at the O2 Arena, failing to capitalize on 11 out of 12 break points.

He now heads off to play a series of exhibition matches in Latin America but already has an eye on next season.

"I've got to keep on playing at the level like I have this year, and then I will create some chances," Federer said after his defeat to Tsitsipas.

"I thought I played some consistent, solid tennis. Got to take care of my body, listen to the signs, work well with the team, get the balance right with everything that's happening in my life."