The Swiss Roger Federer conquered for the tenth time in his career the Basel tournament, in his hometown, by beating the young Australian Alex De Miñaur (world number 28) by a double 6-2.
At 38 years old, Federer already has 103 titles and this season he has already raised his arms in Dubai, Miami and Halle. Now he is only six titles behind the record held by American Jimmy Connors (109).
The Swiss, with 20 Grand Slam titles to his name, has been on a streak of 24 consecutive victories in his city. He has not lost on that court for five years, when Argentine Juan Martín Del Potro defeated him in the final in 2013.
“I would never have thought to win ten titles in Basel, it is extraordinary,” declared Federer, before getting emotional and shedding a few tears.
Basel is the second tournament where Federer has reached the ten-title barrier, after Halle, on grass.
The Helvetian did not give De Miñaur any option this Sunday, he broke his serve twice in each set and did not allow him any break option.
“I was hoping that Roger had had enough of winning here and that he would leave an option to another …” joked the Australian, dominated in just over an hour.
Throughout the tournament Federer has only missed 18 games in four matches this week, benefiting from the injury withdrawal of compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the quarterfinals.
Now he is heading to the Masters 1000 in Paris-Bercy, which begins on Monday, where the draw has brought him a potential semifinal against the Spanish Rafael Nadal. AFP