Perfect 10 for Swiss Ace Federer in his own backyard

Roger Federer raises the trophy after his victory in the final of the ATP Swiss Indoors Tournament in Basel on October 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

It was a perfect home-coming for Roger Federer as the Swiss Ace notched up "an unbelievable" 10th title in his home town of Basel on Sunday.

Playing in front of a partisan home crowd of 9,000 at a sold-out stadium, Federer steamrolled promising Australian Alex De Minaur 6-2, 6-2 to secure his 103rd career title at a venue where he used to work as a ball boy.

It was an emotional victory for the 38-year-old as he drew a loud and heartfelt standing ovation in the Swiss town after outclassing his 20-year-old opponent in just over an hour. He broke De Minaur twice in each of the sets to make history.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion mentioned during his victory speech that it was as a ball boy at the St Jakobshalle more than two decades ago that he got his first taste of tennis. Interestingly, Federer hosted a pizza party for all the ball girls and ball boys of the event and shared some slices with them as well.

"Being a ball boy really inspired me. But I cannot believe that I've won here 10 times. I never even thought that I would win it once, this has been an unbelievable week for me," an emotionally-charged Federer said to the cheering gallery with his wife, children and parents watching.

Switzerland's Roger Federer (C) and the tournament's ball boys and girls eat pizza after winning the final against Australia's Alex de Minaur on October 27, 2019. / VCG Photo

He was presented with a metal sculpture depicting a life-sized hand ready to toss a tennis ball in honor of his landmark title. Sunday's final was Federer's 75th win in Basel and extended his unbeaten streak at his hometown tournament to 24 matches.

His last loss at the event came in the 2013 final when he was beaten by Juan Martin del Potro. Thanks to the Basel title, he is now just six short of the all-time record of 109 ATP trophies held by American Jimmy Connors. However, he admitted after his win that he may skip the opportunity to win a 104th at the upcoming Paris Masters as he is likely to conserve his energy ahead of the season-ending ATP Finals in London.

"I've got a team meeting scheduled for Monday to discuss not just Paris but next season, I guess by tomorrow I'll know If I'm going to Paris or not," Federer informed.

"My fitness is fine, I'm happy with how I feel. I just don't know if I should play next week. I'll figure it out with the team."