Roger Federer’s stunning victory in the final of the Australian Open has established him as a leading contender to claim the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships trophy for an incredible eighth time when play commences in just a few weeks’ time.
The Swiss superstar returned from a seven-month injury break in spectacular style to climax a fortnight that included five-set triumphs over Kei Nishikori and 2016 Dubai winner Stan Wawrinka, as well as a straight-sets defeat of two-time Dubai finalist Tomas Berdych.
He then claimed victory over Rafael Nadal in a pulsating five-set final that kept everyone on the edge of their seats right up until the last ball as he fought back from a break down to clinch his 18th Grand Slam title.
The match proved beyond any doubt that Federer can still compete both physically and mentally at the very highest level against any opponent.
“It’s a beautiful moment in my career,” Federer said after the Australian Open final. “This one means a lot to me because he’s caused me a lot of problems over so many years. I couldn’t be happier. I did believe that I had the game and the mental and physical capabilities to do it again. I knew it wouldn’t be easy but I never lost belief.”
Federer can now look forward to competing again at one of his favourite venues, where he has captured an incredible seven titles in 12 attempts. He walked away as the champion on his last two visits, beating Tomas Berdych in 2014 and Novak Djokovic a year later before injury prevented him from competing in 2016.
“It’s always been an important tournament because usually when I’ve played well in Dubai, I’ve played well the rest of the year,” he said. “I really do feel I have great crowd support. They really get excited. The Mexican wave is a treat, to be a part of that, standing ovation at the end of the matches, all those kind of things. I really do appreciate that, to see sell-out crowds in the first few days of the tournament.”
“I think it’s a very enthusiastic crowd, polite crowd, and it’s a dream playing in an atmosphere like that. It’s always nice seeing the fans coming to the stadium and having a great time. That’s what it’s about, you know.”
Federer will face a formidable challenge as he seeks to extend his winning streak in Dubai, with defending champion Stan Wawrinka keen to gain revenge for his Melbourne defeat and world number one Andy Murray anxious to return to winning ways after his disappointing fourth round loss at the Australian Open.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships takes place between 19 February and 4 March.
For tickets and further information, log onto – www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com.
