Destination Dubai beckons Roger
dubai — Roger Federer’s stunning victory in the final of the Australian Open has established him as a leading contender to claim the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships trophy for an incredible eighth time when play commences in just a few weeks’ time.
The Swiss superstar returned from a seven month injury break in spectacular style to climax a fortnight that included five-set triumphs over Kei Nishikori and 2016 Dubai winner Stan Wawrinka, as well as a straight-sets defeat of two-time Dubai finalist Tomas Berdych. He then claimed victory over Rafael Nadal in a pulsating five-set final that kept everyone on the edge of their seats right up until the last ball as he fought back from a break down to clinch his 18th Grand Slam title.
The match was as fiercely contested as their classic battle for the 2006 Dubai title which Nadal edged 6-4 in the third, and proved beyond any doubt that Federer can still compete both physically and mentally at the very highest level against any opponent.
“It’s a beautiful moment in my career,” Federer said after the Australian Open final. “This one means a lot to me because he’s caused me
When I’ve played well in Dubai I’ve played well the rest of the year Roger Federer
a lot of problems over so many years. I couldn’t be happier. I did believe that I had the game and the mental and physical capabilities to do it again. I knew it wouldn’t be easy but I never lost belief.”
Federer can now look forward to competing again at one of his favourite venues, where he has captured an incredible seven titles in 12 attempts. He walked away as the champion on his last two visits, beating Tomas Berdych in 2014 and Novak Djokovic a year later before injury prevented him from competing in 2016.
“It’s always been an important tournament because usually when I’ve played well in Dubai I’ve played well the rest of the year,” he said. “I really do feel I have great crowd support. They really get excited. The Mexican wave is a treat, to be a part of that, standing ovation at the end of the matches, all those kind of things. I really do appreciate that, to see sell-out crowds in the first few days of the tournament.
“I think it’s a very enthusiastic crowd, polite crowd, and it’s a dream playing in an atmosphere like that. It’s nice seeing the fans coming to the stadium and having a great time. That’s what it’s about, you know.”
“We congratulate Roger Federer on his wonderful victory,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free. “There was little doubt that he would return from injury as competitive as ever, and his performances throughout the Australian Open were nothing short of spectacular. We look forward to seeing him yet again at the DDF Tennis Championships.”
Director Salah Tahlak added, “It was wonderful to see Roger Federer play so well at the Australian Open, and it was truly remarkable that at the age of 35 he was able to win three of his last four matches in five hard-fought sets. Although he will face tough opposition, few would dismiss his chances of claiming yet another Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title.”
Federer will face a formidable challenge as he seeks to extend his winning streak in Dubai, with defending champion Stan Wawrinka keen to gain revenge for his Melbourne defeat and world number one Andy Murray anxious to return to winning ways after his disappointing fourth round loss at the Australian Open. Many eyes will also be on Murray’s Davis Cup teammate Dan Evans, who this season has reached his first ATP World Tour final and beaten two top 10 opponents, Dominic Thiem and Marin Cilic.
Before the staging of the 25th ATP World Tour event, the WTA Tour will also provide a fascinating battle for the title as Angelique Kerber strives to regain her number one ranking. In September the 2016 Australian and US Open champion deposed Serena Williams at the top of the rankings and she held the top spot until Williams claimed a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam in Melbourne.