Federer still living the dream as he joins 100 club with Dubai victory

Roger Federer said he’s loved every minute of his glittering career after reaching the landmark of 100 tour-level titles by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in thefinalofthedubaidutyfree Tennis Championships.

The 37-year-old joined only Jimmy Connors in amassing a century of tour-level tournament wins in the open era and gained a measure of revenge for his defeat by Tsitsipas in this year’s Australian Open.

Federer did not look back after breaking in the opening game as he sealed a comfortable 6-4, 6-4 win in 70 minutes for his eighth title in this event.

“It was all very, very worthwhile, the sacrifice,” Federer said. “We’ll see how much I’ve got left in the tank, but reaching 100 is definitely an absolute dream come true for me. I’m so happy I’m still playing. It’s been a long, wonderful journey and it all started as a junior world champion. It’s been great. I wouldn’t do it any differently. I’ve loved every minute.”

Britain’s Joe Salisbury clinched the third ATP title of his career as he and United States partner Rajeev Ram triumphed in the doubles event. The pair overcame Japan’s Ben Mclachlan and Germany’s Jan-lennard Struff 7-6 (4), 6-3.

At the Mexico Open, Nick Kyrgios lifted the trophy after a 6-3, 6-4 win over world No 3 Alexander Zverev. Following a tumultuous week which included a heated battle against world No 2 Rafael Nadal and a semi-final victory over John Isner, ranked ninth in the world, Kyrgios remained unfazed as he beat his third top-ten player in a week.

China’s Wang Yafan clinched her maiden WTA title after beating American Sofia Kenin in the women’s final in Mexico. The unseeded world No 65 fought back from a set down to claim victory 2-6, 6-3, 7-5.

0 Roger Federer: Landmark.