Federer wins 100th title by beating Tsitsipas in Dubai final

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Roger Federer, who had been stuck on 99 titles since triumphing at his hometown tournament in Basel last October, has finally claimed the 100th ATP title of his career by beating 20-year-old Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 6-4 in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday.

The 20-times Grand Slam champion became the second man in the Open Era to win 100 titles, after American Jimmy Connors who won 109.

Conners wrote on his twitter to congratulate Federer, "Welcome to the 'Triple Digit' tournament victory club – I've been a bit lonely – glad to have the company."

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The Swiss also avenged his shock defeat by Tsitsipas in the Australian Open fourth round in January and will climb to No. 4 in the rankings on Monday.

"I'm delighted. It's great to win my eighth here in Dubai and in combination with my 100th singles title," Federer said.

Federer has won at least one ATP trophy in nearly every season since his first title, missing out only in 2016 when he suffered a knee injury.

Roger Federer(R) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (L) pose with their trophies after the Dubai final, March 2, 2019. /VCG Photo

For Tsitsipas, he will break into the top 10 for the first time.

"Just thinking about it, getting to 100 is completely insane, I don't know how you did that. I'd be happy with 100 (match) wins..." said the young Greek, "It's an honor playing Roger... I've been idolizing him since I was six and watching him on TV, I was just like you guys... I had the biggest smile on my face."

Source(s): Reuters