Roger Federer has equalled Pete Sampras’ tally of 64 ATP titles with victory in the Stockholm Open on Sunday.
The Swiss ace, who beat Florian Mayer 6-4 6-3 to lift the trophy, paid tribute to a spirited display from the German who is yet to win a title.
Mayer clearly had a mountain to climb against the world number two but refused to be overawed by the task facing him.
The German came out fighting right from the start and attacked his opponent at every opportunity, breaking serve in the first set.
But Federer broke back immediately before holding his own serve to love and then breaking again to seal the set.
Pressure
Federer found himself wrong-footed by some classy shots by the German during the second set.
But when the 16-times grand slam winner broke in the sixth game the writing was on the wall for Meyer.
“It’s fantastic to come here, face the pressure and be able to come through at the end,” Federer said after picking up the trophy from Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
“It was a really difficult final and you can see I’m still breathing hard. I thought Mayer played a terrific final so I’m very happy.
“It’s been a tough week. I came from Shanghai where I played five matches, then the jet lag and the whole thing, so to back it up with another win is great.”
The result puts Federer into joint fourth spot with Sampras for the most Open titles of the modern era.
Jimmy Connors holds the record with 109 victories, ahead of Ivan Lendl
(94) and John McEnroe (77).
