Brisbane, Australia (SportsNetwork.com) – Top-seeded Roger Federer recorded
the 1,000th win of his ATP career in a victory over Milos Raonic in Sunday’s
final at the season-opening Brisbane International.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion became just the third man in history to record
1,000 wins as he joined retired greats Jimmy Connors (1,253) and Ivan Lendl
(1,071).
“It feels very different to any other match I’ve ever won,” said Federer. “One
thousand means a lot because it’s such a huge number. Just alone to count to
1,000 is going to take a while. It’s funny emotions right now, but clearly
very proud and happy.”
It wasn’t easy for Federer on Sunday, as he won the first set but then lost in
a tiebreak to the third-seeded Raonic. In the third set, Federer broke
Raonic’s serve to record the 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 6-4 victory.
“Looking back it’s almost nicer winning this way, through a tight match with
nerves and humid conditions against a great player in a final,” said Federer.
“It means so much more than just running away with it with the score maybe
6-4, 6-4, which was looking very likely at one stage. I guess I was much more
happy having to go three sets in the end rather than winning in straight.”
The 33-year-old Federer improved to 8-1 against the 24-year-old Canadian in
winning his 83rd career ATP singles title.
Brisbane serves as a tune-up for the Australian Open, which will begin Jan. 19
in Melbourne.
