Roger Federer became the first player in tennis history to win 100 titles in the open era when he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 6-4 in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
The Swiss, 37, won his first title in Milan way back in 2001. He has gone on to add 99 other titles to his collection, which now consists of 20 Grand Slams, six ATP World Tour Finals, 27 Masters 1000s, 22 ATP 500s and and 25 ATP 250s.
“It’s been a long, wonderful journey,” Federer said. “It all started as a junior world champion and I’ve loved every minute of it. All the sacrifices have been worthwhile and it’s a dream come true to get to 100 titles.”
The Swiss continued, “Tonight was a very special evening. It was great to see the future of tennis in Stefanos and it’s not all about breaking records.”
Federer dominates on serve
Federer beat Tsitsipas with relative ease on this occasion because he served superbly throughout. He won 43 of 55 points behind his serve and seized his first opportunity to break in each of the sets.
It is a result that serves as some measure of revenge for the defeat the Greek inflicted on the World No.7 at the Australian, when he won three out of four tie-breaks to earn a famous victory.
Tsitsipas was not overwhelmed by Federer. However, unlike his more experienced opponent, he failed to take either of his break point chances and that made all the difference.
The Swiss player’s moment of history looked a long way off earlier in the week. He laboured to three-set wins over Philipp Kohlschreiber and Fernando Verdasco and made 34 unforced errors in his victory over Marton Fucsovics.
However, Federer showed the kind of determination that has been ever-present throughout his glittering career to come through those challenges. He then raised his game to beat Borna Coric and Tsitsipas more comfortably. What a week it has been for this great tennis player.
