Roger Federer brought up his 1,000th victory at tour level in style yesterday when he beat Canadian Milos Raonic in three tough sets to win the Brisbane International.
Federer was forced to absorb some superb shotmaking and blistering serves from the 24-year-old before winning 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 6-4 in 2 hours, 13 minutes at the Pat Rafter Arena.
Federer’s glittering career now includes 83 singles titles, including 17 Grand Slams, since his first victory over Frenchman Guillaume Raoux in Toulouse in 1998.
Photo: Reuters
He is third on the all-time list for matches won, behind Jimmy Connors (1,253) and Ivan Lendl (1,071).
The 33-year-old was presented with his Brisbane International trophy by Roy Emerson, as well as a special award for his 1,000th win by Rod Laver.
“To get to 1,000 wins in front of you two greats means a lot to me,” Federer said. “I’ll never forget this moment.”
Raonic was playing so well that for long periods during the second and third sets it looked like the milestone would have to wait until next week’s Australian Open.
However, serving at 4-5 in the third set the Canadian faltered, a double fault giving Federer championship point, before a forehand into the net ended the contest.
In the women’s final, Maria Sharapova won the 34th title of her career on Saturday when she outlasted Ana Ivanovic.
Sharapova won 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3, clinching victory in 2 hours, 38 minutes.
“I came into this final expecting a tough match,” Sharapova said. “The matches we had last year were always very intense and high quality.”
“That’s what you expect in a final atmosphere,” she said.
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