Rotterdam: Federer becomes the ATP’s oldest number one-ranked player
Rotterdam was not originally in Roger’s plans for 2018, but he entered the tournament knowing he was just a few wins away from regaining the number one ranking for the first time in nearly six years. Federer shed a few tears, accepted a big “#1” trophy, and spoke of celebrating with some champagne late into the evening.
Indian Wells: The Men’s Final becomes a testy affair
While there were no tears shed in this match, emotions were running high on both sides of the court. Federer and Del Potro both exhibited their anger and frustration in a highly competitive match where both had their chances to win. Federer saved a match point in a prolonged second set tiebreak, but it was Del Potro who would save three match points in the third to win his first Masters 1,000 title.
Miami: Monica Puig upsets Caroline Wozniacki in front of hostile crowd
After dropping the first set 6-0, Puerto Rican star Monica Puig used the Miami crowd’s energy to come back and upset the world No.2. However, this match would be remembered as one of the uglier moments of 2018. Wozniacki would later state her family was threatened by fans in the crowd during the match, which she said included death threats. Tournament Director James Blake would say the tournament was not made aware of any such threats during the match, a response which Wozniacki felt fell short of correctly addressing the situation. Caroline suggested she may boycott the tournament going forward.
