Federer joins exclusive club with 100th title

Twenty-two years after a 16-year-old Roger Federer made his ATP World Tour debut on home soil in Gstaad, the man they call ‘maestro’ joins Jimmy Connors as only the second player to enter the ‘Century Club’.

On Saturday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Federer displayed a level of comfort on Centre Court that can be expected from someone who had previously won the event seven times. Trading body blows with 20-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Next Gen ATP champion 17 years his junior, the Swiss legend secured his 100th tour-level title with a  6-4, 6-4 win over the soon-to-be Greek World No. 10 in front of highly engaged, capacity crowd, which showed just how much they love Federer.

“It’s been a long, wonderful journey. I have loved every minute,” Federer said. “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. Reaching 100 is an absolute dream come true for me.”

Having captured his first title in Milan in 2001 as a 19-year-old, Federer has scored at least one trophy in every season since. That's 19 consecutive years of sustained success at the highest level. His career has not only outlasted that Milan tournament (last held in 2005), but also the carpet surface it was played on (last used in 2008) and every other player in the draw, who have all retired since then.

There are no signs that his continued success will stop anytime soon. Although Federer trails the 109 titles that Connors racked up in his career, he’s won at least four titles in 16 of the past 18 seasons. If Federer can stay injury-free for a few more years, he’s playing well enough to catch and possibly surpass the American’s record.

But Federer said that chasing down Connors’ record 109 titles is not what motivates him to keep playing.

“I’m just happy that I’m still healthy, that I’ve got such a wonderful team, my family who have supported me for so, so long. I can’t thank them enough.

“If I reach milestones like this along the way it’s wonderful, but I’m really not here to shatter all the records. What Jimmy did was an unbelievable achievement and he should be proud of that. I’m proud of other things I have done. It was a special evening playing Stefanos and seeing the future coming up. It’s part of the journey.”

His milestone moment in Dubai is the latest of Federer's litany of staggering achievements. His greatest? It's impossible to choose just one. Federer has reigned atop the ATP Rankings for a record 310 weeks, including 237 in a row. He owns the most Grand Slam singles titles (20), ATP Finals crowns (6) and Wimbledon trophies (8) in the Open Era. He also stands alone with 24 consecutive wins vs. Top 10 opposition. But of all these accomplishments, securing 100 titles is arguably one of the most impressive.

In an era of titanic servers and baseline bombers, Federer's fluid, precision-oriented game has enabled him to dominate on the ATP World Tour for nearly two decades. No moment is too great and no shot too improbable. The Basel native has become an impervious force as he enters his late 30s, predicated on unyielding durability and the ability to excel on all surfaces.

Remarkably, of Federer's 100 titles, nearly a quarter of them came in consecutive finals from October 2003 to October 2005. It's a streak that will likely never be broken: 24 straight championship matches won. Over a span of two years, it was a guarantee that Federer would step onto a final stage and emerge with the trophy. He entered Vienna in 2003 with a 9-8 record in finals and emerged from Bangkok in 2005 with a stunning 33-8 mark.

The streak ended after an inspired David Nalbandian defeated him in a fifth-set tie-break in the championship match of the 2005 ATP Finals, but even that runner-up showing highlighted his dominance on tour. Federer had missed the previous six weeks nursing a right ankle injury and was on crutches just three weeks before arriving in Shanghai, yet still came within two points of taking the title.

But that championship match streak isn't the only impressive figure among Federer's 100 titles. The Swiss has won four titles without being broken throughout the tournament (Doha 2005, Halle 2008, Cincinnati 2012 & 2015) and owns five wins against World No. 1s in finals - three against Rafael Nadal and two against Novak Djokovic. In addition, he has successfully defended 35 of his titles and 15 of his final victories have come after losing the first set.

Regardless of where you play him, Federer is always up to the challenge. He has won titles on four different surfaces, from hard (69), grass (18), clay (11) and carpet (2). Federer also owns titles in 19 different countries, enjoying the majority of his success in the United States (22).

Federer has spread the love around multiple events during his storied career. He is the only player with seven or more crowns at five different tournaments, achieving the feat in Halle (9), Basel, (9), Wimbledon (8), Dubai (8) and Cincinnati (7).

As the Swiss maestro continues to push the limits and defy the odds, no record is safe. Having already made an indelible mark on the sport, he is proving that nothing is impossible.

Federer Fast Facts: Grand Slam titles - 20, ATP Finals titles - 6, ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles - 27, ATP World Tour 500 titles - 22, ATP World Tour 250 titles - 25.

Date: 2 March 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer makes history in Dubai, wins 100th title

Roger Federer made history on Saturday at the Dubai Duty Free Championships, defeating reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champion Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4 to win his 100th tour-level title. The 37-year-old is just the second man to accomplish the feat, joining Jimmy Connors, who triumphed 109 times.

“It’s been a long, wonderful journey. I have loved every minute,” Federer said on court after his victory. “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. Reaching 100 is an absolute dream come true for me.”

This was Federer’s first appearance in a final since lifting his 99th tour-level trophy last October in Basel. The Swiss joined the ‘Century Club’ at his first opportunity, needing just 69 minutes to triumph in Dubai for the eighth time, making it four tournaments at which he has earned eight or more titles (also Basel, Halle and Wimbledon).

"I think this one has a deep satisfaction, an immediate one, because I know what it means. I like these type of numbers or records," Federer said. "A lot of people always emphasize all the Slams and all these things. I play on the ATP Tour. This is where I've won so many of them, been around for so long. I don't rest between Slams all the time, like people think I might be. But I'm not. I think this number proves that. I think that's why this was a very exciting week for me."

Tsitsipas stunned Federer less than two months ago in the fourth round of the Australian Open, halting the Swiss’ bid for title No. 100 in four sets in Melbourne. But Federer evened the pair’s ATP Head to Head series at 1-1 with an aggressive display on Centre Court. Tsitsipas hurt Federer by coming to net 68 times in Australia, it was the Swiss who pushed forward in their second meeting.

While Tsitsipas carried an eight-match winning streak into the championship match after triumphing at the Open 13 Provence in Marseille last week, Federer came out firing. The Swiss earned two break points in the first game of the match with a rifled inside-in forehand, and converted on his first opportunity when Tsitsipas missed a cross-court forehand wide.

Federer did not look back from there, playing aggressively with his forehand to avoid getting pushed back by the Next Gen ATP Greek, frequenting the net to put pressure on the fifth seed. He faced two break points while serving for the first set, but Tsitsipas missed a backhand down the line from well behind the baseline and then Federer swooped into net to swat away a backhand volley on the Greek's second chance.

In the second set, Tsitsipas did a better job of holding his ground on the baseline, beginning to move forward more himself. But Federer, who saved both break points he faced in the match, did not waste his chance, taking a 5-4 lead when Tsitsipas dumped a neutral ball in the net. And Federer held to love to clinch title No. 100, after Tsitsipas struck an inside-out forehand into the net.

"I played the right way. Things happened fast. Best-of-three set tennis on a fast court against somebody like Stefanos, who also likes to take the ball early, I tried to be very aggressive myself and it worked out. I got off on a flyer in the beginning and never looked back," said Federer, who landed 76 per cent of his first serves and won 83 per cent of those points. "In the second set, I think I was overall maybe able to create a few more chances. I just felt good in defence, good in offence, good on the serve. That's a good combination to win."

"He was very aggressive, didn't give me any time today. I was expecting it, for him to be a little more aggressive. He just seemed like he was having control over everything he was doing, taking the ball super early, on the rise, giving me no time to prepare," Tsitsipas said. "It was a very fast-tempo game. It felt like he was controlling everything on his own terms. He was just very, very aggressive."

World No. 7 Federer adds 500 ATP Ranking points to his total, and he will return to the Top 5 on Monday at No. 4. The 37-year-old also leaves Dubai with $565,635 in prize money, sending his career total past $121 million. The second seed was pushed to three sets in his first two matches of the week, but he won his final seven sets of the tournament to complete his run.

"I didn't come here expecting I was going to win, to be quite honest. I hadn't played since Australia. Just happy on all fronts how my game progressed, how well I played in the final and on top of it winning the eighth title in Dubai and winning the 100th tour-level trophy. So many magical things going on," Federer said. "I'm very, very happy right now."

Tsitsipas fell short of earning his third ATP Tour crown and his first at the ATP 500-level, but the Greek will crack the Top 10 of the ATP Rankings for the first time on Monday, becoming the first player from his country to do so. The 20-year-old gains 300 points and $283,880 in prize money.

"It’s an honour playing against Roger. I’ve said it thousands of times, I’ve been idolising him since the age of six and watching him on TV, I was just like you guys," Tsitsipas said to the crowd. "Now sharing the court, it’s even better.

"You’ve created history in tennis and keep doing what you’re doing. You’re doing really well."

Date: 2 March 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer to play Tsitsipas in Dubai final

Roger Federer moved to within one victory of capturing his eighth Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title, which could represent the 100th tour-level crown of his career, on Friday night. The Swiss superstar cruised past Borna Coric at the Aviation Club in a comprehensive 6-2, 6-2 victory over 67 minutes for a shot at history.

"I was really happy with my play today," said Federer. "In terms of feeling, this match was definitely by far the best one this week, so that was good. I'm sure Borna was feeling it a little bit from his past few matches."

If the Swiss superstar is to join Jimmy Connors (109 titles) as the second man in the Open Era to reach a century of singles trophies, he will have to snap the eight-match winning streak of Stefanos Tsitsipas, the reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champions. Last month, Tsitsipas beat Federer 6-7 (11), 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-6 (5) in the Australian Open fourth round.

"Maybe the final is a little bit of a revenge match. Stefanos showed me at the Australian Open, how hard he is to play," said Federer. "I hope I'm going to play well. We're still far from reaching 100 titles, it seems. I'm just going to try to focus and play good tennis."

Federer won five of the first six games against Coric and converted his fourth set-point chance at 5-2 with an unreturned serve to complete the 32-minute opener. The second-seeded Swiss, who continued his policy of attacking the net and playing a number of drop shots, was gifted the opening game of the second set when Coric struck a forehand wide.

Coric's error count increased and at 2-4, 30/40, a wild forehand spelled the end for the sixth-seeded Croatian. Federer wrapped up his seventh victory in eight matches this year with an ace for a place in his 152nd tour-level final (99-52 record).

"I think it was important to mix it up, be solid, not give him too many chances and keep showing him it's going to be really difficult for him to win," said Federer. "At the end, I actually played really good. I'm very pleased."

Date: 1 March 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer to face Coric in Dubai semis

Roger Federer faced two set points in an opening-set tie-break on Thursday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. But the seven-time Dubai champion stayed calm and eliminated Hungarian Marton Fucsovics 7-6 (6), 6-4 in one hour and 56 minutes, continuing his pursuit of a historic 100th tour-level title.

"I'm very happy to have found a way to the semis," Federer said. "It was a good level of play considering all the difficulties that were on the court today."

Federer remains undefeated in Dubai quarter-finals, advancing to the last four at the ATP 500 tennis tournament, where he holds a 51-6 record, for the 11th time. He will face sixth seed Borna Coric for a spot in his 10th final at the event.

The 37-year-old Swiss is now just two victories away from earning his eighth Dubai crown and becoming the second player in the Open Era to win 100 tour-level trophies. The only other player to accomplish the feat is Jimmy Connors, who captured 109 titles.

Reaching the semi-finals was not easy, though. Fucsovics did well to maintain his court-positioning for much of the match, using his forehand down the line to keep the Swiss on the back foot and to try to dictate play as much as he could. Federer was never able to consistently dominate rallies, making for a tense affair with entertaining points.

After Federer stormed to a 3/0 lead in the tie-break. Fucsovics won five consecutive points, and then earned two set points at 6/4. But the Hungarian showed some nerves, hitting a couple of forehands into the net to allow Federer to take the lead.

But despite Federer breaking early in the second set, Fucsovics battled hard and regained his rhythm on the forehand wing to break back. At 4-4, Fucsovics fended off three break points when a slight rain began to fall, forcing a break in play that lasted less than 10 minutes (the second short rain delay of the match). While Federer could not convert another opportunity he earned after play resumed, Fucsovics could not fend off a fifth chance, missing a forehand down the line wide to give the Swiss a crucial second break in the set.

Federer won just two more points than Fucsovics, but he was able to advance in straight sets for the first time this week. Federer won 38 per cent of return points against the World No. 35.

"It's tricky to come back and just hit winners after rain delays. Sometimes it's a disadvantage. Sometimes it was an advantage. We made the most of it," Federer said. "The tie-break was tough. I'm happy I found a way to get out of that one. That was an exciting match, to say the least."

Federer now leads Fucsovics 2-0 in their ATP Head to Head series after also defeating the Hungarian in straight sets at last year’s Australian Open.

Federer's next opponent, Coric, beat two-time ATP Tour champion Nikoloz Basilashvili 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (1) in two hours and 28 minutes. Coric defeated Federer twice last year, to win the Halle title and reach the Shanghai final.

"He's really found his game. I remember when he came up, I played him here actually in 2015. Then he also beat Murray here, beat Rafa in Basel," Federer said. "Then he struggled for a while, then found his game again. We've had a couple tough matches as of late. He beat me on two of those occasions. I think we're 2-2 in the past four. I'm happy for Borna to have really understood his game. That's really important at the top level if you want to win the big tournaments, which he has now."

If Federer triumphs in Dubai, it will be the fourth tournament at which he has captured eight titles. He has lifted nine trophies in both Basel and Halle, while emerging victorious at Wimbledon eight times.

Date: 28 February 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer overcomes Verdasco in Dubai

Seven-time former champion Roger Federer recorded his 50th match win at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Fernando Verdasco, the 2017 finalist, in one hour and 35 minutes.

“I'm happy I actually stayed calm throughout the game," said Federer. "I felt like I was having a good feeling out there. Even though I wasn't playing my best, I still felt like it was going to fall my way when it really mattered. I think that confidence is kind of important in sports or in tennis. I'm happy I had it today. I played good at the end. I had the serve when I needed it, had some good shots, a good point on break point when I needed it. That was nice to win it that way.”

Federer, who was informed on court that it was his 50th victory, in Dubai admitted, “I was like, ‘Phew, 50, a lot of tennis here in Dubai. I'm very happy. It's a big number. I'm not sure if I'm going to get to 100. Let's put it that way.”

By moving to within three victories of capturing the 100th trophy of his career, Federer will next challenge Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics, who was a 6-4, 6-2 victor over Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany earlier in the day. Federer beat Fucsovics in their only ATP Head to Head series meeting at the 2018 Australian Open.

“I know Marton quite well actually,” said Federer. “He came to Zurich to train with me. He was nice enough to come there. I don't remember how long we spent, but a few days practising together there. We had a great time. Then, I played him at the Australian Open last year. [It was a] good match… He's improved. He likes the fast surfaces. He likes to play up in the court. He has the power when required. I think it's going to be definitely a match that's going to test me tomorrow.”

In their first meeting for four years (2015 Dubai), Federer mixed up his service placement and tactics to keep Verdasco on the back foot. Verdasco double faulted to gift Federer a 3-1 advantage and was tentative on serve at 2-5, when the Spaniard recovered from 0/30. Federer, who lost five of his service points in the 28-minute opener, closed out when Verdasco hit a backhand return into the net.

In a dramatic reversal, centred largely on Federer moving away from serving to Verdasco’s slice backhand, the momentum of the match shifted. Verdasco saved a break point in the first game of the second set and soon found himself with a 3-0 lead. Federer continued to serve and volley off his first delivery, but Verdasco held his nerve to win his first set against the second seed since November 2009 at the ATP Finals (Federer won 4-6, 7-5, 6-1).

Federer looked to stamp his authority on the third set, early on, but Verdasco’s serve had great fluency and his movement on the baseline had improved. Federer saved one break point at 1-1, 30/40, and then held to love in his next two service games. A net cord winner for Federer at 4-3, with Verdasco serving at 30/30 set up a break point, which resulted in a 26-stroke rally. He is now 50-6 overall in Dubai.

“These best-of-three set matches, you're not always in control of everything because, like you saw at the end, a good five minutes from your opponent or a good five minutes from you can decide the outcome of the match,” said Federer. “You're definitely living on the edge at some point in the match. This is how it is.”

The 37-year-old Federer is attempting to become the second man in the Open Era to capture 100 singles title (after Jimmy Connors, 109). The Swiss superstar, the champion at the Aviation Club in 2003-05, 2007, 2012, 2014-2015, improves to a 5-1 record in 2019.

Date: 27 February 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer fends off Kohlschreiber, begins chase for 100th title

Roger Federer began his chase for tour-level title No. 100 on Monday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, defeating German veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. The Swiss now leads Kohlschreiber 14-0 in their ATP Head to Head series.

But the 37-year-old’s first match since his loss in the fourth round of the Australian Open to Stefanos Tsitsipas was not easy. While Federer looked in control early, breaking in the first game of the match and using that advantage to storm through the first set in 30 minutes, he was forced into a third set against Kohlschreiber for just the third time at an ATP Tour event. Ultimately, Federer forced an error with a strong cross-court forehand to break in his first return game of the decider and he held on to emerge victorious after one hour and 36 minutes.

"My mindset was to just somehow get through. Somehow try not to lose," Federer said. "I'm very pleased I was able to find a way. I actually played a really good third set, I thought."

Federer has only lost his opening match at a tournament once in the past 20 months, with that defeat coming in Miami last year against Thanasi Kokkinakis. Seven-time Dubai champion Federer now holds a 49-6 record at the ATP 500 event.

Early on, Federer dominated play with his first serve. He put Kohlschreiber on the back foot straight away, and only lost one first-serve point in the first set. But Kohlschreiber broke in his first return game of the second set, and began to put more pressure on the Swiss by placing his first-serve returns deeper in the court. That helped Kohlschreiber push Federer back, giving the German more chances to dictate play and force the 99-time tour-level champion to defend.

But the Swiss counter-punched well at the start of the third set to break Kohlschreiber and hold for 3-0, and Federer never looked back. While Kohlschreiber saved one break point at 1-4 with a beautifully angled backhand off of a drop volley, he could not avoid going down a double-break.

Federer hit a backhand passing shot straight at Kohlschreiber on his next opportunity, forcing an error before holding to love to clinch his victory. The 6'1" right-hander is trying to become just the second player in the Open Era to lift 100 tour-level trophies (after Jimmy Connors, 109).

The second seed will next face Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, who battled back to defeat qualifier Thomas Fabbiano 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Like with Kohlschreiber, Federer holds a lopsided ATP Head to Head series lead against Verdasco having triumphed in all six of their previous matches. The Swiss has won 13 of the 14 sets he has played against the 35-year-old left-hander, including a straight-sets victory in their most recent meeting, also in Dubai, four years ago.

"I think he's got one of those wonderful forehands on the ATP Tour. We've seen the great shot-making he has been able to produce over the course of his career," Federer said. "I'm happy that he's still going. I think he's a good player. He can definitely peak against the top guys. I think that's why he's still playing, for those kinds of matches, so I have to be careful."

Date: 25 February 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer blows three match points in shock loss to Donskoy

Roger Federer squandered three match points in a shock 3-6, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (5) second round loss to Russian qualifier Evgeny Donskoy at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Wednesday.

Federer looked poised to claim his ninth victory of the year when he held match points at 6/4 and 7/6 in the second set tie-break, before Donskoy fought back to force a decider. Federer looked to have regrouped when he broke in the sixth game of the third set and served for the match at 5-3, but again he failed to close out victory, losing his serve to 30.

Donskoy then turned the tables as he broke Federer in the 11^th game. But, serving for the biggest win of his career against the 18-time Grand Slam champion, the Russian was broken to love as the pulsating match when to a deciding tie-break.

Federer once again put himself in a commanding position as he led 5/2 with two serves to come. But in an astonishing turn of events, World No. 116 Donskoy reeled off the final five points of the match to prevail in just over two hours.

“I had my chances. I should somehow close it out. Don't know how it got away, but he did very well. It's a rough one, for sure,” Federer said. “But tennis is this way. Margins are small. A fast court like here, you can't find much rhythm. Next thing you know, you're struggling.

“Maybe I wasn't really committed enough. Commitment in tennis is a big thing. In the first round I was. Today I wasn't, really. That sort of is a feeling you get and it trickles in an entire game. I thought I returned way better in the first round. Today I really struggled on the return. I didn't quite really time it well. Yeah, timing I thought was off for me today. Legs also felt slower out here tonight. I felt tired all day. I tried to get myself in shape, and, you know, like warm up properly, do all the things I always do, regardless if it's a first round or a final.

“There's no excuses. I just think it's still the beginning of the comeback and I have to take the positives out of playing again a tournament where I feel I'm quite healthy and I'm happy I got over the groin injury I sustained at the Australian Open. Maybe didn't allow me to practice as much as I was hoping to in Switzerland, but at the same time also needed the rest. But there was also no problem there, really. I came early. I was perfectly prepared. It's just a tough loss tonight. So many chances. It was crazy.”

It is just the third time since 2007 that Federer has been beaten by a qualifier (2013 Hamburg vs Delbonis; 2015 Shanghai vs Ramos). The Basel native suffered his first defeat of the 2017 season, having made a remarkable comeback from a five-month injury layoff by defeating Rafael Nadal to win the Australian Open.

The 35-year-old Federer was bidding to win the title at this ATP World Tour 500 tournament for the eighth time. He drops to a 48-6 tournament record.

Through to his first ATP World Tour quarter-final since a semi-final showing at 2015 Moscow, the 26-year-old Donskoy will face seventh seed Lucas Pouille.

“I surprised everyone today. I think whoever wins against Roger surprises himself,” said Donskoy. “I can say it's a dream come true, but I don't like this, because you always want to win, even if it's Roger.

“It was really tough in the beginning, because it was too much pressure,” Donskoy said. “Because it's Roger, and I never even practice with him.”

Date: 1 March 2017, Source: ATP, AP and Dubai Championships

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Federer begins his bid for eighth Dubai title

Roger Federer began his quest for a record eighth title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Benoit Paire in just 54 minutes. It is his 13th appearance in Dubai, and as well as winning seven titles he has twice finished as runner-up.

It was Federer's first match since winning the Australian Open last month, his 18^th Grand Slam title. But the 35-year-old Swiss showed no rust in the rout, winning nearly 70 per cent of his service points and saving all three break points faced. Federer broke Paire twice in the first set as the Frenchman struggled to stay in rallies. The Swiss broke twice more in the second set to earn his fourth win in as many tries against Paire.

“There were some break points to be saved, and, you know, I think I returned very well for a first round. I was able to get my second serves in deep, was able to go into the offensive quickly,” Federer said.

“I'm happy with how I played and I was able to stay aggressive. Didn't have to move that much. It was very quick rallies. So we'll see how that's going to turn out. But obviously couldn't be a better first round for me here in Dubai.”

Federer will meet a Russian in the second round, either veteran Mikhail Youzhny or qualifier Evgeny Donskoy. He improves to 48-5 at the tournament with the win against Paire.

“I have played here for so many years, seen the tournament grow,” Federer said. “And especially after Australia, fans and myself know how special it is for me to be back on the court. It was a nice welcome. Very thankful always.”

He faces a tough road from here, though. Top seed Andy Murray and second seed and defending champion Stan Wawrinka could meet Federer in the semi-finals and final, respectively.

Date: 27 February 2017, Source: ATP and Dubai Championships

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Refreshed and refueled Federer ready for Dubai

Roger Federer returns to court "refueled" in Dubai this week after having not played since he won the Australian Open, his first tour event since being sidelined with knee problems for more than half a season.

The record 18-time grand slam winner is gunning for an eighth title in Dubai as the tournament celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Four weeks on from his incredible five-set victory over Rafael Nadal in the Melbourne final, Federer says he’s ready to step back on the court even though he only just got the all-clear for an inner thigh problem that bothered him during the Australian Open.

“Mentally I’m super-fresh again. I think I refueled the energy tank, on the mental side, being home, spending time with the family, being in the winter in the mountains in Switzerland. It was beautiful to be home in my own house and just enjoy that part,” Federer said.

But the World No. 9 acknowledged that he was not starting the tournament in top shape, with a leg injury having delayed his return to training.

“Physically I had a bit of a problem with my leg, that was bothering me for basically 10 days of the Australian Open, I didn’t have treatment for nothing, so I did an MRI after.”

An MRI following the tournament revealed some damage, but another done a week ago indicated improvement. Federer, having recently said he had not yet begun doing full practices again, is now ramping up.

“There was a bit of an issue, hematoma. I did scan again last Monday before I came and it definitely was better. So since three days now I’m practicing at 100 per cent. I’m a little bit tired because it’s the first time I’m actually pushing myself again, but because it’s fast court, best-of-three , I will be fine.”

Federer opens his Dubai campaign against Frenchman Benoit Paire and has been drawn in the same half as top-seeded Andy Murray. Number two seed Stan Wawrinka is in other side of the draw.

Date: 26 February 2017, Source: Sport360 and Tennis.com

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Awesome Federer floors Djokovic in straight sets

Roger Federer's enduring class shone through again as the Swiss maestro beat world number one Novak Djokovic 6-3, 7-5 to win the Dubai Championships for a seventh time on Saturday.

The 33-year-old's serve is the least praised of his repertoire but it was his awesome delivery that blunted Djokovic's baseline game, taking his career ace haul past the 9,000 barrier with 12 more, several at vital moments.

The match, the 37th in their rivalry which Federer now leads 20-17, proved to be a tale of chances taken and chances missed - Federer converting his two break points with clinical efficiency, while Djokovic failed on all seven of his.

"We get the best out of each other," Federer said in a courtside interview after winning an 84th tour singles crown.

"I'm pleased I did some good serving when I had to. I definitely won the big points tonight."

Djokovic had two set points to level the match in the second set but both times Federer was rescued by his serve.

''He deserved it,'' Djokovic said. ''I expected that from him. I knew he was going to chip and charge, come to the net, serve and volley.

"If you don't use opportunities against Roger, then, you know, he fires back," Djokovic told reporters.

"Small margins, really. Nothing to really worry about. I thought it was a good week overall."

The 17-time grand slam champion began with the same tactics that helped trounce teenager Borna Coric in the semi-finals, charging the net at every opportunity.

Djokovic was wise to that, passing Federer in successive points, first with a lob and then with a forehand that arrowed into the corner.

The Serb had two break chances with Federer serving at 1-1 in the first. The Swiss saved both, yet still looked the more vulnerable.

From the deuce court, Federer regularly sliced his serve wide to pull eight-times grand slam champion Djokovic out of position before skipping forward to despatch any short return.

The first set's decisive moment came with Djokovic serving at 3-4. Federer advanced to blast a forehand down the line for the Swiss's first break point, which he converted when Djokovic clubbed a forehand long.

That put Federer 5-3 up and he served out to clinch the set.

Djokovic had Federer in trouble at 3-4 15-40 in the second set, but Federer despatched two aces and two service winners to hold. The Swiss world number two repeated the trick again, serving at 15-40 and 4-5 down, he made another two aces and a service winner to save two set points and square the set.

A cross-court winner gave Federer a break and 6-5 lead and although he fluffed his first match point on serve, he set up another with a second serve ace that he converted with a powerful forehand off a weak Djokovic return.

Federer joined Goran Ivanisevic (10,183), Ivo Karlovic (9,375), and Andy Roddick (9,074) in cracking the 9,000 aces mark.

''I even remember which one it was because I was counting them,'' Federer said. ''It was one of the swinger wides.

''It's nice to get past that so I don't have to think about it ever again, or until the next thousand or so.''

The victory was a fine riposte to those who said after his third round loss to Andreas Seppi in the Australian Open that his good days were now behind him.

"People are often saying how old I am - but who knows how many years I have left. I can still play with the best," the 33-year-old said challengingly.

Djokovic did have one last laugh.

"How come you had seven break points and he had two - and you lost?" he was asked on court afterwards.

His answer caused the stadium to erupt. "I think I will get the same question a little later from Boris," he said.

Date: 28th February 2015, Source: Reuters, AP and AFP

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Federer wins seventh Dubai crown

Roger Federer captured a record seventh Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships crown on Saturday night as he defeated Novak Djokovic 6-3, 7-5 in the final.

"The seventh is quite unbelievable, what I hear people talking about that, announcing I'm the six-time winner here in Dubai," said Federer. "Sounds pretty crazy. It's nice that Wimbledon and Halle are that way, as well."

The Swiss served four aces in the 37-minute opener and became the fourth player (since 1991) to hit 9000 aces when he fired down a service winner at the start of the sixth game of the second set. He hit 12 aces in total throughout the match, taking his tally to 9007.

The 33-year-old Swiss was contesting his ninth final in 12 visits to this ATP World Tour 500 hard-court tournament. He previously lifted the trophy in 2003-05, 2007, 2012 and 2014 and finished runner-up in 2006 and 2011. He now has a 47-5 tournament record.

Victory marked Federer’s second ATP World Tour title of the season. He opened his 2015 campaign by claiming the Brisbane title with his 1000th match win, beating Milos Raonic in the final. The Basel native now has an 84-42 finals record.

After saving two break points earlier in the contest, Federer broke Djokovic in the eighth game and went on to serve out the opener. Top seed Djokovic had his chances to push the match to a third set. He had Federer at 15/40 on serve in the eighth game of the second set and then again in the 10th game - eliciting two set points - but could not convert.

Federer then pounced in the 11th game, breaking Djokovic - who had led 40/0 - with a forehand winner to lead 6-5. Federer faltered slightly serving for the match. He netted on his first match point and was forced to save a seventh break point for Djokovic before sealing victory at the second time of asking in 84 minutes.

"I think the first set belonged to me; whereas the second set belonged to him more," said Federer. "He created many more opportunities. I struggled to get into his service games more frequently. It seemed like the moment I wasn't serving great he created chances for himself and put a lot of pressure on me. It was a huge game clearly at 5-5, 40/0 for him. I crawled my way back into the game and ended up breaking him. So that was big, but I think the break points saved were even bigger tonight."

Federer improved to a 20-17 lead over Djokovic in their ATP Head to Head series as he recorded his first victory over the Serb in a final since the 2012 Cincinnati title match.

"I think it's really become a very nice rivalry," said Federer. "I think we play very nicely against each other, and it seems people like the way we play against each other, as well. I don't think we have to adjust our games very much against each other, which I think is nice, as well. We can just play our game, and then the better man wins.

"It's been nice seeing Novak's improvements over all these years. He's become such an unbelievable player, especially the past five, six years, and cleaned up his game so nicely and became the best mover in the game. It's really a pleasure playing against him every single time again."

Djokovic, a four-time champion in Dubai, was looking to eclipse his coach Boris Becker and win his 50th tour-level title. The Belgrade native dropped to a 49-23 finals record. He was playing his first tournament since winning his eighth Grand Slam championship at the Australian Open (d. Murray) last month.

Date: 28th February 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer and Djokovic set for blockbuster Dubai final

Defending champion and World No. 2 Roger Federer will play No. 1 Novak Djokovic for the 37th time on Saturday in a blockbuster final at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Federer has a 19-17 lead in their ATP Head to Head series and has won two of their past three meetings. Federer will attempt to claim his seventh Dubai crown and Djokovic will aim to lift his 50th trophy, and his fourth at the Aviation Club.

"When you play Roger, it's always a great challenge," said Djokovic. "If you want to win you have to play your best tennis, especially against Roger in the final of any event, but here particularly. Because I feel like this is the kind of a surface and conditions that it suits his game the best."

Second seed Federer overcame lucky loser Borna Coric, 15 years his junior, 6-2, 6-1 in 57 minutes for a spot in his ninth final at the Aviation Club, the venue of the ATP World Tour 500 tournament.

Federer will next attempt to clinch his 84th tour-level title (83-42 in finals) and his second crown of the year - after lifting the Brisbane International  trophy last month.

Federer opened up a 3-1 lead, before Coric clinched his lone service break. Federer converted all of his three break point opportunities in the 27-minute first set and then dominated the second set.

"Maybe I was a bit tentative in the beginning, but I was still able to get off to somewhat of a good start, not being broken early, then breaking him right away," said Federer. "I felt like after five games I knew more or less what to expect, and I realised what had worked until that point and what had not."

The Swiss hit three aces past Coric and is now five aces away from striking the 9,000th ace of his career. He also hit 20 winners and won nine of his 13 points at the net.

"I can see why he has so far caused difficulties for some of the top guys and he still has a lot of room for improvement in his game," said Federer. "He does a really good job for a big guy. It's unbelievable how in the past 10 years we have seen so many big guys moving well from the baseline. I think he returns very well, especially off second serves, and that's such a huge part of today's game, I believe."

Coric, who had beaten Andy Murray in the quarter-finals, said, "He was just way too good for me. I was feeling so rushed. I didn't have any time to play my game plan. I was just trying to hold in the rally as long as I could. I was serving very badly... When you're playing against a guy who is No. 1 or No. 2 in the world, you need to be serving much better if you're going to even compete with him."

Date: 27th February 2015, Source: ATP

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Roger Federer treasures his T-shirts as much as trophies

Tennis royalty Roger Federer does not just have a cupboard for his trophies after all. The Swiss ace, owner of 17 Grand Slams and 83 tour titles, also has a separate closet to store and "archive" all the different outfits he has worn over the years.

"I give a lot to charity, of course. And if I have enough, I give to friends and family. And then I always keep probably three of each outfit," Federer said after his quick 6-4, 6-3 victory over Spain's Fernando Verdasco in the second round of the Dubai Open.


"Yeah, it's in closet, in an archive at the moment just because I feel like I have to keep these things, because I never want to look back and think like, oh, I wish I still had that outfit.

"Maybe one day I can give it away again to somebody. I have to take care of them. And of course I missed some of the outfits early on in my career because I didn't think I was going to have a career," he added.

Federer, who is known for his demure personality on the court, has picked up a neon orange t-shirt for the Dubai Open to go with his grey shorts, which come with a shiny party strip at the side. "I think it's different," Federer said.

"I have worn so many outfits over the years, and I am lucky enough to be able to change my outfit 10 to 12 times a year. How many times can you do a T-shirt and another colored shirt? I was like, Let's mix it up a little bit. I haven't worn bright colors in some time.

"I asked if that could be an option. They presented me the shorts. I was like, Okay, let's make sure the stripes at the right place and it has to look the right way, it has to match in a nice way. I think it actually works okay. I like it, and I hope fans enjoy the energy that comes out of it a bit."

Date: 27th February 2015

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Federer sets up Coric clash in Dubai

World No. 2 Roger Federer is one step closer to claiming an unprecedented seventh Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title after Richard Gasquet retired down 1-6 due to lower back pain in their quarter-final match on Thursday.

"I know enough about the back, and I know how horrible it is to play with that and how much worse it can sometimes become," said a sympathetic Federer. "It's maybe better not to take any chances at this point."

Federer completed the first set in just 20 minutes, taking advantage of a hobbled Gasquet, who triumphed over Roberto Bautista Agut in a tight three-set match on Wednesday. Federer tallied three aces in the set, leaving him eight short of reaching the historic 9,000 mark.

"I think I played well," Federer said. "I served well. Then again, the test was so short that it's tough to judge on a 20-minute match. But, you know, I think I was hitting the ball well again, like yesterday. I felt able to play aggressive and do what I was hoping to do, so I was very pleased, actually."

The Swiss has spent just two hours and 16 minutes on the court in his first three matches.

He’ll meet the face of the next generation in the semi-finals, after 18-year-old lucky loser Borna Coric upset No. 3 seed Andy Murray 6-1, 6-3. The Croatian teenager, named the 2014 ATP Star of Tomorrow Award, scored the second Top 10 win of his young career, dispatching Murray in 79 minutes.

"He seems to really play up when it matters against the better players," Federer said of his next opponent. "Today I think it was a great victory. I didn't see any of the match, so I can't tell about Murray's level. But regardless of the level, to beat Murray 6-1, 6-3, it was, it's a great score. Because historically Murray has played very well here in Dubai. It's definitely a message I get."

Coric announced his arrival last fall by upsetting Rafael Nadal en route to the Swiss Indoors Basel semi-finals. Perhaps it is fitting that the World No. 84 is the first teenager to reach the Dubai semi-finals since Nadal clinched the title as a 19 year old in 2006.

Date: 26th February 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer's plan to recover from Australian setback

Roger Federer has devised a plan to help him recover from his Australian Open shock last month, a third round setback which had doom-mongers claiming the game’s greatest would never win a major title again.

"The body needed some healing and the mind needed some refreshing," the 33-year-old Grand Slam record-holder admitted after returning to the tour at the Dubai Open with a reassuring 6-3, 6-1 win over Mikhail Youzhny.

There are three main ingredients - a game plan, a tournament plan, and a short-term psychological plan. The last, already completed, is the most surprising.

It caused Federer to deal with the Melbourne defeat by Andreas Seppi, an Italian outside the world’s top 30, by celebrating it.

"That night I had Champagne with my team and said 'his is thanks to Seppi - I got like nine more days off!'" Federer said.

"It gave me more time off, so I was actually thankful to Seppi!" Federer added.

"So that’s how I see it. Nine more days off allowed me more time for practice, and I knew that I was hoping to come back stronger.

"That’s the (immediate) goal after a loss like that. All you do is think how to bounce back as quick as possible and as strong as possible. I’ve actually been playing very well in the last six months.”

During that time Federer has come close to winning a Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic, and ended 2014 strongly as world number two after beating Djokovic in the Shanghai final.

- Longer-term -

His game also evolved into one depending less on his outstanding powers of containment.

Federer’s longer-term response has revolved around whether his shock defeat mainly had specific causes or wider implications. There was a bit of both.

"It was just a bad match, for me," Federer said. "It was just one of those things that I won the points that I shouldn’t have and lost the points that I should have won, and the margins were small."

The longer-term conclusion is however probably more important.

It places more emphasis on what he had already been attempting: risking a more attacking brand of tennis more often.

"I wasn’t able to play offensive enough for some reason," he said. "I played more carefully. The wind was more of a problem for me than for him (Seppi) and at the end I paid a price for that."

This was something he was able immediately to rectify, by a happy coincidence, during his forceful win against Youzhny because the conditions on Monday were similarly tricky to Melbourne’s.

"The last thing I wanted to do is lose back‑to‑back matches playing carefully," Federer commented.

"I know I can play careful tennis, but you cannot leave it up to other guys if you are going to win or lose. Over the years I have won my biggest matches by playing on my terms."

- Hanging back -

Federer emphasised that in Dubai he wanted to play more often "on top of the baseline," to accept that this might mean playing more half‑volleys, and, if possible, to come more to the net.

Except perhaps on the European clay, we are not likely to see Federer hanging back too much during 2015.

He has also rationalised his schedule not only for the rest of this year, but beyond. "I mean, pretty much I know everything till - Jesus - summer of '16," he said.

He has replaced one or two tournaments to create a change of environment, and relinquished Davis Cup commitments.

Instead of playing at the high level 1000 category tournament in Miami next month, he will play closer to home in Istanbul, and the build-up to the French Open will see him play in Madrid and not Monte Carlo.

It still seems remarkable given that Federer is the oldest player in the top 20 and tours with a wife and four children.

Asked how he stayed motivated after achieving everything he wished for on a tennis court over more than a decade and a half, Federer replied: "It kind of always re-sets you know."

Whatever happens Federer won't relinquish dreams of more big titles any time soon. But he may just do things a little differently.

Date: 25th February 2015, Source: AFP

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Refreshed and Ready: Federer excited to compete again

What a difference a month makes.

Thirty days ago, Roger Federer’s early exit in the Australian Open third round surprised fans and fellow player alike. Despite coming into the first Grand Slam of the year on the heels of a title run in Brisbane and an historic 1,000th ATP World Tour victory, the World No. 2 struggled to find his rhythm in his four-set loss to Andreas Seppi.

On Monday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, a refreshed Federer looked sharp as he dispatched of Mikhail Youzhny in under one hour, extending his ATP Head to Head record over the Russian to 16-0. Afterward, the Swiss explained the virtues of playing without reservations.

“The last thing I want to do is lose back-to-back matches playing careful,” said the six-time Dubai champion. “I know I can play careful tennis, but then you cannot leave it up to the other guys sometimes if you are going to win or lose.  I feel over the years I have won my biggest matches in most tournaments by playing on my terms, and you can't always do it.  It's difficult to come out and dominate every match, every point, and it's also hard work always playing aggressive.”

During his time away from competition, Federer relaxed at the beach, trained and planned his tournament schedule for the coming year, admitting he has his projected schedule set through the summer of 2016. And while he enjoyed the respite from the day-to-day grind, he is ready to compete again.

“It's nice getting back out there and having thousands root for you and for your opponent, because you can only practise that much after a while without anybody watching you,” said Federer, who lives and trains in Dubai during much of the season. “It just gets a bit boring after a while. So I prefer to play matches after all.

“I'm lucky enough to be put on prime time most of the time so people come out and watch me play often… So I appreciate that, and it's definitely keeping me on the tour longer.  There's not a doubt about that.”

In addition to extending his 43-5 record at the tournament, the 33-year-old will look to do damage on the doubles court with the help of Swiss countryman and Davis Cup teammate Michael Lammer.

“Michael Lammer was one of my best friends on tour and in my life, and he's a guy I have never played doubles with,” Federer explained. “So I really want to do that before he retires because he's not far off.”

“I have played doubles with Marco [Chiudinelli], with Yves [Allegro], with Stan [Wawrinka], but never with Michael other than back in the Junior Swiss Championships when we were 14, 16, 18.  So we go way back. That's why we are both excited about it, and I'm very thankful for the wild card from the tournament organisers.”

Date: 24th February 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer moves to 16-0 against Youzhny

Roger Federer opened his bid for an unprecedented seventh Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title on Monday with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Mikhail Youzhny in the first round.

Federer fired eight aces against Youzhny in the 56-minute win, taking him to a career ace count of 8,985. The right-hander is bidding to join Goran Ivanisevic, Ivo Karlovic and Andy Roddick as the only players to reach the 9,000 aces milestone since records began in 1991.

The Swiss improved to a 16-0 mark against Youzhny in their ATP Head to Head series as he won his first match back since suffering a surprise third-round exit against Andreas Seppi at the Australian Open last month.

"Best of three in a quick court sometimes you just can run away with the score, so that's where maybe a bad five to ten minutes can cost you the match. I think it was close in that first set." said Federer. "I think we were both trying to find our range. I'm happy I didn't start to play too careful after it, because it is tough to play here in Dubai with the quick conditions. After that, I think I started to return much better. Serve got a bit more consistent. My half volleys were getting better. I was able to get the set and the break, and then that's when you can bring it home."

Federer improved to a 7-1 match record on the season, highlighted by winning his 83rd tour-level title at the Brisbane International (d. Raonic).

The 33-year-old Federer has a 43-5 match record at this ATP World Tour 500 hard-court tournament, lifting the trophy in 2003-05, 2007, 2012 and 2014. He also finished runner-up in 2006 and 2011. The second seed goes on to face the winner of an all-Spanish clash between Fernando Verdasco and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

Date: 23rd February 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer readies for historic Dubai quest

With a fan base that stretches across the world, Roger Federer is at home wherever he competes, but the World No. 2 admits some cities have become more special than others.

As Federer readies to begin his quest for an unprecedented seventh Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships crown, the Swiss described the comfort of competing in the city he calls his training base.

“I have to switch my mind from relaxing to tournament rhythm,” said Federer. “That’s why I have the tendency, either in Basel or Dubai, to check into a hotel and say ‘ok, I’m at a tournament’. Last year I stayed at home, this year I’m back at a hotel. I mix it up depending on how my mood is. We’ll see how it starts tomorrow. I’m eager to find out.

“I’m growing a great fan base all around the world. I feel very welcome. Every tournament seems to want me there. It fills me with great joy. If you have something you really enjoy doing, why give that up? I feel I can still play with the best and when you win titles things get simpler again.”

The 33-year-old father of four is closing in on two milestones in the Arabian desert. The all-time tournament leader with six titles and 42 match wins, he is bidding to win seven or more titles at three tournaments, in addition to his haul at Wimbledon (7) and the Gerry Weber Open in Halle (7). Federer is also closing in on becoming just the fourth player to achieve 9,000 aces, needing to strike 23 to reach the plateau.

Federer's Stomping Grounds

Gerry Weber Open (Halle) - 7
Wimbledon - 7
ATP World Tour Finals - 6
Western and Southern Open (Cincinnati) - 6
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships - 6
Swiss Indoors Basel - 6

With an elite field that also includes four-time champion Novak Djokovic, 2012 runner-up Andy Murray and two-time finalist Tomas Berdych, neither task will be easy for the defending champion. Federer understands he'll need to work hard to retain the title.

“I think it’s going to be tough. It’s tough for anybody. When you take a close look at everybody who’s here, you always think it’s hard…Every match has to be played. You only have to beat whoever is on the opposite side of the net. You don’t have to beat the other 31 guys in the draw. You want to have the right mindset going into a tough tournament like this. It’s hard, but it’s been like this for years now. I take it one match at a time, but at the same time when you’re the player of my caliber and experience you have to focus on your own game.”

Federer will renew a 15-year-old rivalry against former World No. 8 Mikhail Youzhny in the first round. The second seed leads the ATP Head to Head series 15-0. He says he is eager to return to action following a four-week break after suffering a third round exit to Andreas Seppi at the Australian Open. Refreshed and reloaded, Federer has a plan.

“I’ve been very lucid, very clear in what I wanted to do in the past month between vacation, practice and build-up (to Dubai), getting everything organised all the way to Wimbledon and beyond. It has been a good time for me to re-assess my goals and come back stronger.”

Date: 23rd February 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer enjoyed champagne after Australian Open defeat

Roger Federer believes his early exit from the Australian Open has provided him with the silver lining of crucial extra practice time for the long season ahead - and he even celebrated the setback with a glass of champagne.

Federer, who returns to competitive action in the Dubai Championships on Monday in his first event since the shock third-round loss in Melbourne, typically found something to be cheerful about in the January failure.

That he could put such a positive spin on his defeat by Italian journeyman Andreas Seppi - Federer's worst performance in Melbourne since 2001 - gives an indication of how the 17-time grand slam champion can maintain his motivation at 33.

"That night I celebrated with champagne with my team, thanking Seppi as I had got nine days extra off... some additional time for practice as well," Federer told reporters in Dubai.

"After every loss, there is a new plan. I have just gone through this process now."

The world number two will play Russian veteran Mikhail Youzhny in Dubai's first round before Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic potentially await in the semi-final and final.

"It is going to be tough as I've had a long break, one of the longer ones I've had in many years but it was necessary as I played a lot of tennis in the last six to eight months," said Federer.

The father-of-four said there was too big a gap in ranking points between him and world number one Djokovic to be thinking of reclaiming top spot soon.

"I will just enjoy myself on the tour, play as well as I possibly can and if he shows up across the net for me then I will try to beat him," said Federer.

Of his relationship with his Dubai rivals, Murray and Djokovic, who is fresh from claiming a fifth Australian Open title, Federer added: "Novak, it's always been the same, it's been nice and casual.

"Same as Murray, I chatted with him today. From my side, I'm cool, but you've got to ask the other guys. It's normal sometimes to get a bit edgy with some players. Over a 10 to 15 year career, that's always going to happen."

Date: 22nd February 2015, Source: Reuters

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Roger Federer launches Chinese New Year in Dubai

Defending champion Roger Federer helped ring in the Year of the Goat as he launched the Chinese New Year celebrations at Burj Al Arab on Thursday, ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which begins Monday, 23 February.

Six-time Dubai champion Federer was invited to participate in the ceremony for the colouring of the eyes of the lion. The lion dance is a traditional cultural dance performed at significant ceremonies and Chinese New Year celebrations. Colouring of the eyes is an important part of the ceremony, and the responsibility is reserved for someone of high social status, as it is believed to give the lion its spirit, and brings it to life. This ceremony must be undertaken prior to the lion dance commencing.

Federer was delighted to be part of the ceremony, saying, “It’s been a fantastic evening, I’m honoured to have been part of this celebration. The Burj Al Arab is iconic, and this celebration is a nice gesture for the Chinese guests. I’ve had some amazing moments playing here in Dubai, especially playing here on the helipad, and playing in China too, so the chance to celebrate this, I wasn’t going to miss it.”



About the upcoming tournament, Federer said, “I feel ok coming into this year, I know the court well, I know what to expect. I had two weeks off after the Australian Open so I feel refreshed and ready to play. I really like the stadium, I’ve played very well here over the years, and the Dubai tournament is run so well; it’s a great event and a great atmosphere.”

Organised by the tournament and Burj Al Arab, Federer was a special guest of the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Chang Hua; the China Consul General, Mr Tang Weibin; Gerald Lawless, President and Group CEO Jumeriah Group; and Mr Anthony McHale, General Manager of Burj Al Arab. Also in attendance was Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director.

Gerald Lawless said, “We are delighted that Dubai Duty Free could bring Roger here for the celebration of Chinese New Year. Roger is a great friend of Dubai Duty Free, and of Jumeirah, so this is the icing on the cake to have him here. Our fastest growing visitor group is the Chinese so it’s great to do this."

“Roger Federer being part of this occasion is very special, and we are happy to have been involved in this event. Roger is a wonderful champion, having won the title six times here. Next week’s tournament is shaping up to be one of the best ever,” said Tournament Director, Salah Tahlak.

The tournament commences on 23 February with the finals on 28 February. Along with Federer, the tournament will star World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, World No. 4 Andy Murray and two-time Dubai finalist Tomas Berdych.

Date: 20th February 2015, Source: ATP

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