37-year-old Roger Federer continues to add to his trophy collection after producing an emphatic display to defeat an injury-stricken John Isner 6-1, 6-4, in the final of the Miami Open.
Federer, who made his Miami debut back in 1999, overwhelmed a frustrated Isner throughout their latest clash on the tour. Forcing Isner to move out of his comfort zone by the baseline and towards the net. A nightmare scenario for the American, who was hampered by a foot injury. Nevertheless, it was Federer’s dominant performance that highlighted the match as he hit 17 winners to seven unforced errors. Even more impressive was his ability to win 32 out of the 35 points behind his serve.
“To stand here (with the trophy) after so many years is absolutely incredible.” Federer said during the trophy ceremony.
“John is a great player, a great person. I’m so sorry for your foot, but I’m positive for you, it’s all good and you’ll be playing great tennis for the rest of the year.” He added.
Taking to the premier court at the Hard Rock Stadium to play a record 50th Masters final, Federer was expected to be in for a tough battle. Heading into the clash, 6’10” Isner had only lost four out of his 60 service games throughout the tournament. However, Federer dictated the match from the onset with the use of his shot selection to place the nerve-stricken American into uncomfortable positions around the court. After just 25 minutes of play, the former world No.1 broke Isner’s lacklustre serve three times on route to clinching the opening set with relative ease.
“It was Just a dream start for any player. It relaxes your nerves.” Federer commented about breaking Isner in the first game. “Maybe I broke too many times in the first set. I felt like I’ve made too many jokers already.”
During one stage, Federer won 21 consecutive points behind his serve before Isner ended the run at 2-2 in a more competitive second set. Finally the Swiss player was being placed under some pressure by his fast-serving opponent, but it had little impact on the outcome of the match.
Besides dealing with a fierce performance from his rival, Isner was also hampered by his own physical issues. Taking a medical time out at 1-6, 3-4, due to his left foot, which had strapping on throughout. After certain points, Isner was seen showing glimmers of pain following exchanges between the two. Something that became even more visible following his time out.
A game away from winning the title, Federer’s opponent was barely able to chase after the ball. Shouting to his team in the crowd ‘I can’t move.’ An anti-climatic end to the 2019 tournament. Admirably, Isner kept battling to the delight of his home crowd. But the lack of movement allowed Federer to break once again and clinch the win. Doing so with the help of a hawk-eye challenge which ruled Isner’s backhand shot out on match point. An outcome that prompted Jubilation for Federer and commiseration for Isner, who was consoled afterwards by tournament director James Blake.
“Roger, congrats. You were entirely too good today. You were entirely too good this whole tournament. You were entirely too good your whole career. We’re so lucky to have you… never retire!” Isner said in tribute to the 20-time grand slam champion.
Miami is Federer’s 101st title on the ATP Tour and his 28th at Masters 1000 level. Only Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have won more Masters trophies than him. Federer has also become the first player in 2019 to win a second ATP title after the first 19 events of the season were won by different players.
“Thank you for so many years that you still come out and support. I was lucky enough to play every match on centre court and you guys were perfect. I had a blast. Of course, I hope I see you again next year.” He said to his army of fans in the crowd.
Federer exits Miami with 1000 ranking points and prize money of $1,354,010. He will rise to fourth place in the ATP rankings when they are updated on Monday.
