Federer 101

April 1, 2019 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Federer_Crop
Photo courtesy of USTA/Garrett Ellwood

 

Roger Federer captured the 101st title of his decorated career on Sunday afternoon, defeating a hobbled John Isner 6-1, 6-4 to win the Miami Open inside Hard Rock Stadium.

“What a week it’s been for me. I’m just so happy right now,” said Federer. “It’s unbelievable. I played here in 1999 for the first time and here I am in 2019. It means a lot to me.”

The 37-year-old native made sure to get off to a fast start against Isner, breaking the big-serving American in the opening game. With that break in his back pocket, he would go on to secure the double break a few games later and won the opening set in just 24 minutes.

“It was a dream start, relaxing my nerves,” Federer said of that first break.

Unfortunately for Isner, a left foot injury neutralized his ability to hang in rallies or even establish himself on serve. He gutted his way through the second set but could not muster anything on the return, and Federer secured the only break point of the set to win the title in just one hour and four minutes.

“I just can be very happy on either end, return and serve, and that’s why I’m so happy that I was able to produce a performance like this in a finals, because this is what you train for and play for that constantly keeps your level going up as the tournament progresses,” said Federer. “And this is my best. I’m very excited.”

On Saturday, Ashleigh Barty won the Miami women’s singles title with a 7-6(1), 6-3 triumph over Karolina Pliskova.

Barty fell behind a break in the first set, but after rallying to force a tiebreak and win the opening set, took control of the second set to take home the biggest title of her career.

“It’s been an amazing fortnight of tennis. It really has,” said Barty. “I think it’s pretty cool to have played such a good match today, obviously in a big situation and a big match. [I’m] certainly proud of myself and happy the way that my team and I have been able to get through these two weeks.”

 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
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