Federer on his 100th career title: "It's an absolute dream come true"

Roger Federer was at his shotmaking best against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday night, avenging a fourth round defeat to the Greek at the Australian Open with a 6-4, 6-4 victory that gave him the milestone 100th ATP title of his career.

Having gone 0-for-12 on break points in his 6-7 (11), 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-6 (5) loss to Tsitsipas in Melbourne, Federer set a completely different tone straight away in the Dubai final, breaking in the very first game of the match. The two men held from there until Federer had the opening set in his pocket, 6-4.

Having finished the first set with nine straight holds, the second set began with another eight holds in a row—but Federer pounced one more time at 4-all, breaking on a Tsitspas forehand into the net, and he served the match out at love for his eighth career title in Dubai and 100th career ATP title.

“To win my eighth title in Dubai in combination with 100, it’s great, absolutely,” Federer said in his on-court interview. “It’s been a wonderful week for me. There were difficult conditions throughout the week and tough opponents, especially today. All respect to Stefanos for what a great week he’s had. I’m sure he’s going to have a wonderful career ahead of him—he’s already having a great career.”

Federer finished the match with 24 winners to just 15 unforced errors, but the most notable stat—after going 0-for-12 in Melbourne—was going 2-for-2 in break points against the big-serving Tsitsipas.

The Swiss is now an eight-time champion in Dubai, capturing the 500-level tournament in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012, 2014, 2015 and now 2019. This is the fourth ATP event he’s won eight or more times in his career (he has nine titles in Halle, nine titles in Basel and eight titles at Wimbledon).

Federer’s also the second man in the Open Era to reach 100 ATP titles—Jimmy Connors won 109.

The Swiss was asked about Connors’ record during the trophy ceremony.

“We’ll see how much more I’ve got left in the tank, but reaching 100 is an absolute dream come true for me,” he said. “I’m just happy that I’m still healthy and have such a wonderful team. Reaching milestones like this along the way is wonderful, but what Jimmy did was an unbelievable achievement—he should be proud of that. For me, tonight was a special evening. It’s been a wonderful journey.”

Tsitsipas had only kind words for his childhood idol at the trophy ceremony.

“I’ve said it thousands of times: I’ve idolized him since the age of six. The first time I watched him, in Monte Carlo, I had the biggest smile on my face, and to share the court with him now is even better.

“I would like to personally congratulate you for 100. It’s been a long journey. Just thinking about it, getting to 100 is completely insane—I’d be happy with 100 wins! I’m joking… but I’ll definitely try to get there someday. It’s a great achievement. You’ve created history. Keep doing what you’re doing.”

And Federer wasn’t the only man to create history in Dubai—by making the final, Tsitsipas guaranteed he will make his Top 10 debut on the new ATP rankings on Monday, going from No. 11 to No. 10.

He’ll be the first Greek player, male or female, ever to break the Top 10.