Roger Federer Wins ‘Special’ 100th Title by Beating Tsitsipas

Roger Federer of Switzerland holds his trophy after winning the final match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in Dubai, on Saturday.

(Photo: AP)

Roger Federer wrote another "special" page of history as he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday, 2 March at the Dubai Championships to win the 100th title of his career.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner claimed a record eighth trophy at the Aviation Club.

The Swiss second seed was untouchable throughout much of the 69-minute final as he gained revenge for his fourth-round Australian Open defeat by the 11th-ranked Greek youngster.

“It’s so special to win my eighth here combined with 100. I had tough opponents all the way through -- right up to Stefanos today (Saturday). He’s already having a great career, the game is in good hands.”

Roger Federer

Roger Federer of Switzerland holds up his trophy during the final match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Saturday.

Federer joins Jimmy Connors (109) as the only other man to have won 100 titles.

His 99th trophy came last October at his home event in Basel. He missed out on his century at the Paris Masters, the ATP Finals and the Australian Open.

Federer had to work hard this week, winning in three sets over Philipp Kohlschreiber and Fernando Verdasco.

Tsitsipas saw the end of an eight-match winning streak as he arrived in the Gulf with the Marseille title from last weekend.

Federer broke in the opening game of the final, but had to battle to claim the opening set. Tsitsipas saved three set points in the final game before Federer -- who faced two break points -- finished off the set as Tsitsipas returned wide.

In the second, a break in the penultimate game for 5-4 and a service hold a game later were enough as Tsitsipas put a forehand into the net.