Dubai: Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer is just one win away from a career milestone of 100 titles. Federer reached the summit clash round of the Dubai Duty Free tennis championships here Friday routing Borna Coric of Croatia 6-2, 6-2.
Federer’s opponent in the final will be the upcoming Stefanos Tsitsipas who beat France’s Gael Monfils 4-6, 7-6(7-4), 7-6(7-4) in the other semfinal. Revenge will be on Federer’s mind because the Greek player had beaten him when the two had last met at the Australian Open this year.
Only Jimmy Connors, with 109, has more men’s singles championships in the Open era (since 1968, when pros were allowed to enter all events).
Tsitsipas stated that it will definitely be tough for him in the final. “Obviously he (Federer) will come hard at me,” Tsitsipas said after his win. “The last time we met, I won and it was in an important tournament like the Australian Open. I just hope my body recovers quickly as I had to play a very long match today (Friday).”
Federer, however, downplayed the aspect of ‘revenge’. “Look, I want to do well in every match I play,” said the Swiss. “Obviously I go into the match with nothing but the win in my mind. But I am not looking for revenge and it is not a grudge match or so.”
Agencies