Federer wins 100th title with victory in Dubai
Swiss maestro Roger Federer finally claimed his 100th career title by winning the ATP 500 Dubai Championships on Saturday evening in the Middle East.
Roger Federer. AFP/KARIM SAHIB
He also got revenge in straights sets in the final on the 20-year-old Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4, after the up-and-coming star toppled him in the fourth round earlier this year at the Australian Open.
100 NOT OUT FOR @rogerfederer ‼️#RF100 pic.twitter.com/LIMXPwHUxG
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 2, 2019
Federer said it was a “great feeling” to win his eighth Dubai tournament and a “dream come true” to get to 100 titles overall.
In tribute to him, the tournament did a recap of all his wins at their venue in his career, immediately after the match.
The Swiss star, at age 37, is the second man to achieve the feat after America’s Jimmy Connors, who ended his career with 109 titles.
Martina Navratilova is way out in front, however, having clinched 167 women’s singles crowns in her career.
Fast feet 😯@rogerfederer #DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/6G54J6SuwK
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 2, 2019
Federer wrote another “special” page of history and his eighth win was also a record at the Aviation Club.
The Swiss second seed was untouchable throughout much of the 69-minute final against the 11th-ranked Greek youngster.
“It’s so special to win my eighth here combined with 100,” Federer said. “I had tough opponents all the way through — right up to Stefanos today.
“He’s already having a great career, the game is in good hands.”
His 99th trophy came last October at his home event in Basel.
He missed out on his century at the Paris Masters, the ATP Finals and the Australian Open.
Federer had to work hard this week, winning in three sets over Philipp Kohlschreiber and Fernando Verdasco.
Tsitsipas saw the end of an eight-match winning streak as he arrived in the Gulf with the Marseille title from last weekend.
Federer broke in the opening game of the final, but had to battle to claim the opening set.
Tsitsipas saved three set points in the final game before Federer — who faced two break points — finished off the set as Tsitsipas returned wide.
In the second, a break in the penultimate game for 5-4 and a service hold a game later were enough as Tsitsipas put a forehand into the net.
37?!@rogerfederer #DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/iWgpwyBvfy
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 2, 2019
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