The new year saw all-time great Roger Federer achieve another impressive record. Playing a warm-up tournament in Brisbane, the Swiss went on to capture the title and record his 1000th career win, becoming just the third player in the Open Era to achieve the feat (after Connors' 1,215 and Lendl's 1,071).
The week started with a little hiccup, Federer having to recover from a set and a break down to overcome Australian John Millman in the opening round. It was cruise control from then on, Roger bringing on his A-game to defeat James Duckworth and Grigor Dimitrov with the loss of just 5 games (6-0,6-1 against Duckwort and 6-2,6-2 against Dimitrov).
The early stages of the final anticipated another comfortable victory, Roger establishing what seemed like a decisive lead. However, his opponent, young gun Milos Raonic, had other plans. He broke back to push the second set into a tie-break—which he won 7-2—then held numerous chances in the decider before finally succumbed to the inspired Swiss.
“It feels very different to any other match I've ever won because I never thought about reaching 500 or 800,” declared Roger after closing out a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-4 win. “All those numbers didn't mean anything to me, but for some reason 1,000 means a lot because it's such a huge number. It's funny emotions right now, but clearly very proud and happy.”
“It means so much more than just running away with it and maybe winning 6-4, 6-4,” he said. “I guess I was much more happy having to go three sets in the end rather than winning in straight.”
In addition to achieving this amazing milestone, Federer strengthens his credential ahead of the Australian Open, where he aims at adding a so far elusive 18th Slam. The best of luck, king of tennis! #Federertowin
photo: GETTY IMAGES
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