Roger Federer stayed competitive in Rotterdam for two decades, making his debut in 1999 and lifting his third title in 2018. Roger knocked out Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-2 in 55 minutes on February 18, 2018, to lift the trophy and become world no.
1 the next day. Federer secured his 97th ATP title and his second of the season after the Australian Open. Roger beat Grigor for the seventh time in as many meetings, with the Bulgarian ill on Saturday night and playing well below his best.
Federer never faced a break point and stole his opponent’s serve twice in each set to control the score and win his first Rotterdam title in six years. The Swiss claimed his 20th ATP 500 title and surpassed Rafael Nadal, leaving the Spaniard with 19.
Plus, Roger hit the 10,000 point mark for the first time since January 2013! Federer was flawless in his service games, letting seven points slip away and keeping Grigor away from break point opportunities. On the other hand, Dimitrov couldn’t do much with his opening shot.
He only hit one ace and lost 45% of the points in his games to find himself in trouble in almost every service game after those two early in the match. It was the most desired final once the draw came out, and they had a great start, with only three points for the returner in the first four games.
Suddenly, Grigor collapsed on the court and never quite regained his composure after conceding a backhand that cost him his service game at 2-2. Roger took complete control and broke again in the seventh game after another baseline error by the Bulgarian.
A service winner gave Federer the opening set at 5-2, winning 20 of the last 26 points to take the set home in 25 minutes.
Mary Joe Fernandez speaks about Federer
For those who don’t know her, Mary Joe Fernandez was a very great tennis player in the 90s until reaching three Grand Slam singles finals.
Married for several years to Tony Godsick, Roger Federer’s super agent, the American of Dominican origin was recently on the Holding Court with Patrick McEnroe podcast in which she revealed that one of the Federer couple’s children was totally obsessed with tennis.
“I’m sure Roger still loves tennis so much. All his children play tennis and one of them really loves it, which is great fun for him and his wife Mirka. They love tennis so much. They are as if they have to play all the time, over and over again. Finally, one of them really shows a great interest in tennis. And it’s very, very cool to see.”
