Federer gave a stunning performance that lit up the Emirates. He needed just 69 minutes to beat one of the rising stars of tennis, Tsitsipas, who is almost half as old as the 37-year-old tennis icon. Federer proved once and for all that age is just a number.
In the latest battle of the generations between Federer and Tsitsipas – their third this year and first since Tsitsipas ousted Federer in the round of 16 at the Australian Open in January – the evening belonged to Federer, much to the delight of so many in this Arabian Desert city.
Before the match, Federer was quoted as saying, “I’m just going to try to focus and play good tennis.”
Federer did more than just play good tennis. He came out focused from the start and broke Tsitsipas in the opening game. OK, game on! Playing brilliantly at times, and with a chess master’s mentality lining up his moves, Federer kept Tsitsipas thinking on his feet. He opened up the court and continually applied pressure, moving the young Greek star back and forth across the hard-court surface. Although Tsitsipas attacked Federer’s backhand often, the Swiss maestro proved up to the task and even capped one particular 23-shot rally with a lovely, back-handed half volley winner that brought the capacity crowd to its feet. Later, Federer saved the only two break points he faced after going up 40-0 while serving for the first set. Finally, on his fourth set-point opportunity, Federer secured the elusive point to move to within one set of making tennis history.
Next, the two finalists stayed on serve through the opening eight games of the second set, before Federer was able to put together a string of four straight brilliant points on his return that broke the 20-year-old Tsitsipas. The service break pushed Federer ahead for good and put himself in the position of serving for the match. Title No. 100 suddenly loomed big. As it happened, Federer wasted no time in wrapping up the historic evening by winning at love – game, set, match, championship – which closed the book on his eighth Dubai title.
Immediately after his milestone victory, Federer spoke about winning his 100th career title meant to him. He also hinted at how long he’ll be around chasing trophies. “I’m delighted, I’m so happy. It’s an absolute dream come true right now,” he said. Federer gave credit to Tsitsipas after he defeated the Greek hero, saying, “I don’t know if he was born when I won my first title. I think barely. ... Tennis is in good hands, regardless if I’m there or not.” Afterward, it was announced by tournament organizers that Federer will return to defend his Dubai title in 2020.
The free-spirited Tsitsipas, who won the Open 13 Provence in Marseille just a week earlier, took his defeat in stride. He knows there will be better days ahead for him. Tsitsipas managed to crack a smile while he was interviewed by longtime British tennis commentator David Mercer during the trophy ceremony. He spoke positively about watching Federer as a child growing up in Greece. Tsitsipas congratulated him on his career achievements. “I’ve been idolizing him since the age of six ... and now sharing the court, it’s even better,” he said.
When it was Federer’s turn to wax poetically during the ceremony for his 100th, Federer told Mercer, “It’s been a long, wonderful journey. I have loved every minute. It’s been tough, but the sacrifice has been very, very worthwhile, and we’ll see how much more I’ve got left in the tank.
“I’m so happy I’m still playing. It all started as a junior world champion. It’s been great. I wouldn’t do it any differently.”
The history-making victory moved the 20-time Grand Slam championship to within nine titles of tying Jimmy Connors, the men’s all-time leader. While it took Federer 152 finals to reach No. 100, Connors reached his 100th in only 141 finals.
Soon, Federer received many plaudits from current and former players and the media, via Twitter. Connors chimed in with his congratulations. “Welcome to the ‘Triple Digit’ tournament victory club @rogerfederer – I’ve been a bit lonely – glad to have the company!!!”
No doubt, Federer is a future Hall of Famer and his C.V. is an impressive one. Yet, despite his advanced age – for a tennis player – Federer continues to add milestones to it.
For instance, Federer has lifted a trophy in at least one tournament in 18 of the past 19 years. Since 2001, when he won the first of his 100 titles, the only year that Federer has come up empty was during his injury-plagued 2016 season. Also, with his 100th singles title, Federer moved twenty ahead of Rafael Nadal, who has won 80. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has 73 singles titles. Meanwhile, the remaining 97 players in the current Top 100 have garnered a combined total of 333. Let’s not forget, one-fifth (20 percent) of Federer’s singles titles have come at Grand Slams. He’s won eight Wimbledon crowns, six Australian Open, five U.S. Open and one French Open. Also, he’s won 27 ATP Masters 1000 titles, 22 ATP 500 series titles, 25 ATP 250 series titles and six ATP Tour Finals titles.
During his press conference following his Dubai triumph, Federer was asked if he’s ready to go after 10 more titles to break Connors’ 109. He replied, “We live in a world where every record has to be shattered. Not for me, I’m just happy I’m still healthy. If I reach milestones along the way, it’s wonderful, but I’m really not here to shatter all the records.”
Putting it all in perspective. That’s Roger Federer.
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