Roger Federer will be playing to win his 100th tour-level title when he takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas. It was back in February 2001 when Federer first won a title, claiming the Milan title after defeating world no. 67 Julien Boutter from France in the final. Federer was ranked at no. 27 at the time.
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Photo: Rodger Federer of Switzerland plays a backhand against Borna Coric of Croatia during his men’s semi final match on day thirteen of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium March 01, 2019 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Jimmy Connors is the only player in the Open era to have won 100 titles. He ended his career with 109 singles titles to his name.
Tsitsipas famously defeated Federer in the fourth round at the 2019 Australian Open, taking the match 6-7(11), 7-6(3), 7-5, 7-6(5). The Greek world no. 11 is riding an eight-game win streak going into the final after winning the ATP 250 Marseille title last week.
Federer reached the final after a comfortable 6-2, 6-2 win over the no. 6 seed Borna Coric.
“I was really happy with my play today,” said Federer. “In terms of feeling, [this match] was definitely by far the best one [this week], so that was good. I’m sure Borna was feeling it a little bit from his past few matches.”
Tsitsipas had a tougher time in his semifinal needing three sets to overcome an in-form Gael Monfils. The flamboyant Frenchman has won the ATP 500 title in Rotterdam last month. Tsitsipas came from a set down to win 4-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(4).
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