Sunday 31 March 2019

Roger Federer makes Rafael Nadal claim after winning Miami Open title



ROGER FEDERER won his fourth Miami Open title last night but the one which stands out more than them all are his victory against Rafael Nadal.

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Roger Federer hits back at Stefanos Tsitsipas after Miami Open win



ROGER FEDERER has hit back at Stefanos Tsitsipas, who claimed the 20-time Grand Slam winner gets preferential treatment from umpires.

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Andujar Adds Fifth Title In Comeback With Marbella Crown

A LOOK BACK
Casino Admiral Trophy (Marbella, Spain): In 2018, the comeback story of Pablo Andujar was well-documented. There was arguably no storyline more captivating as the former World No. 32 battled back from three elbow surgeries to compete at the highest level once again. The Spaniard capped a resurgent campaign in extraordinary fashion, rising a total of 1,619 spots to No. 82 in the year-end ATP Rankings. It was the biggest jump among players to finish in the Top 100 since 2004, as Andujar reaped the benefits of three ATP Challenger Tour titles and an ATP Tour crown in Marrakesh.

He wasn't done there. The 33-year-old continues to make great strides in 2019, and on Sunday he notched yet another title with his victory on home soil in Marbella. Andujar produced one of the greatest comebacks of the year in the final, rallying from a set and a break down to defeat World No. 67 Benoit Paire 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4 in two hours and 25 minutes.

Not only did Andujar find his back against the wall at 4-6, 2-5, but the home favourite was forced to save a match point while serving to stay in the championship. The match was a microcosm of the guile, grit and determination that Andujar has displayed throughout his year-long comeback. Now 5-0 in finals upon returning to the tour, he adds to Challenger victories in Alicante, Florence and Buenos Aires and an ATP Tour crown at the Grand Prix Hassan II.

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Having sat outside the Top 1,700 less than 14 months ago, Andujar has risen to No. 70 in the ATP Rankings with his triumph in Marbella.

"This victory is very important for me given that I barely competed in February due to my son's birth," said Andujar. "Also, during the Australian swing I didn't win a match and I needed that to get my confidence back and find my game. It is very special to do it at home and this will help me for the upcoming tournaments. Now I have to try and defend a lot of points.

"This part of my career is an extra. A moment that wasn't in my mind after being sidelined for so long because of my elbow and I'm trying to enjoy every minute to the limit. Having my family by my side makes me very, very happy. If I'm able to enjoy tennis as well, what else can I ask for?"

Meanwhile, on the doubles court, New York Open champions Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Mies added yet another crown as a team. In fact, Krawietz has been a force in the past year, claiming a total of 10 titles with three different partners. Seven of those victories have come with Mies.

Open Harmonie Mutuelle (Saint-Brieuc, France): Kamil Majchrzak became the 12th first-time winner of the 2019 season, streaking to the title in Saint-Brieuc. The 23-year-old Pole found his game on the indoor hard courts of the Tennis Club Saint Brieuc, ousting an red-hot Gregoire Barrere in the quarter-finals, defending champion Ricardas Berankis in the semis and home hope Maxime Janvier for the title. He down the Frenchman 6-3, 7-6(1) on Sunday afternoon.

Majchrzak, who rises 24 spots to a career-high No. 130, was competing in his fourth Challenger final. He previously fell in Mohammedia, Morocco in 2015, and twice in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, finishing runner-up in 2017 and 2018.

Poland is on the rise in 2019, with Majchrzak and Hubert Hurkacz the only players from the European nation in the Top 500 of the ATP Rankings. Hurkacz is coming off a quarter-final result at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells and signature win over Dominic Thiem in Miami.

Majchrzak

A LOOK AHEAD
The Mexican swing kicks off with the Abierto GNP Seguros, which took home Tournament of the Year honours in 2015. It is one of two combined ATP Challenger and WTA events on the calendar, along with the grass-court stop in Nottingham. Tennys Sandgren and Bradley Klahn lead the pack, with Feliciano Lopez and Casper Ruud seeded third and fourth. Ernesto Escobedo, champion in 2015, is an unseeded threat.

After a one-year hiatus, the circuit returns to the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in Sophia Antipolis, France. Home hope Pierre-Hugues Herbert is the top seed and is accompanied by fellow Top 100 players Robin Haase, Benoit Paire and Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

And at the second edition of Juan Carlos Ferrero's tournament in Alicante, Spain, it will be Andujar looking to retain his title. The top seed took the first step in his comeback here last year, lifting the trophy as an unseeded wild card.

ATP Challenger Tour 



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Roger Federer: John Isner aims subtle Miami Open dig with Novak Djokovic claim



JOHN ISNER lost to Roger Federer in the Miami Open final then claimed Novak Djokovic is a better returner.

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Roger Federer reveals Andy Murray hopes after clinching 101st career title



ROGER FEDERER says he hopes Andy Murray can draw inspiration from Bob Bryan and make a full comeback to tennis.

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Charleston 2019: Monday's Order of Play and Match Points

Federer Extends Big Titles Lead

Roger Federer extended his ‘Big Titles’ lead over Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal on Sunday by capturing his fourth Miami Open presented by Itau title.

If Djokovic won a record seventh trophy in Miami, he would have tied the Swiss’ top mark. But instead Federer, at 37 years old, earned his 54th Big Title – a combination of Grand Slam, Nitto ATP Finals and Masters 1000 crowns — to give himself breathing room ahead of Djokovic (52) and Rafael Nadal (50).

Federer’s form got better throughout his run in Miami, as he ultimately beat 2018 champion John Isner 6-1, 6-4 in the final. It is Federer’s 28th Masters 1000 victory, trailing only Djokovic (33) and Nadal (32). The father of four’s win marks the 16th season in which he has captured a Big Title.

While Federer has not competed on clay the past two seasons, he will have a chance to add to his Big Title total on the red dirt. The No. 1 player in the ATP Race To London is currently slated to compete at the Mutua Madrid Open and Roland Garros. The Swiss has emerged victorious in Madrid three times (twice on clay, once on hard), and he also won the Roland Garros title in 2009.

“I think what this [Miami] win does for me, it just takes even more pressure off from the clay court season,” Federer said. “I'm very excited. It's a good challenge, good test.”

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The Big Titles race will heat up on the clay as Federer, Djokovic and Nadal will all battle for the top spot. World No. 1 Djokovic will be keen to get back on track after third round and fourth round exits in Indian Wells and Miami, respectively. He has not captured a Big Title on clay courts since 2016 Roland Garros.

Nadal will be able to tie Federer’s mark if he wins all four Big Titles on clay for the second time. In 2010 the lefty triumphed at Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros. Nadal has earned 33 of his 50 Big Titles on clay.

Did You Know?
With his victory in Miami, Federer also passed Djokovic for the lead in the ATP Race To London. It is the third straight year Federer has topped the Race upon leaving Miami. Read More

Current and Former Champions' Big Titles Won (Records Since 1990)

Player Grand Slams Nitto ATP Finals 1000s Total (Avg)
Roger Federer 20/75 6/16 28/134 54/225 (4.2)
Novak Djokovic 15/56 5/11 32/108 52/175 (3.4)
Rafael Nadal 17/54 0/8 33/113 50/175 (3.5)
Pete Sampras 14/52 5/11 11/83 30/146 (4.9)
Andre Agassi 8/61 1/13 17/90 26/164 (6.3)
Andy Murray 3/47 1/8 14/96 18/151 (8.3)
Boris Becker* 2/26 2/6 5/51 9/83 (9.2)
Thomas Muster 1/29 0/4 8/53 9/86 (9.6)
Gustavo Kuerten 3/33 1/3 5/67 9/103 (11.4)
Jim Courier 4/38 0/4 5/71 9/113 (12.6)
Stefan Edberg** 3/28 0/4 1/24 4/56 (14)
Marcelo Rios 0/26 0/1 5/56 5/83 (16.6)
Michael Chang 1/50 0/6 7/86 8/142 (17.8)
Marat Safin 2/41 0/3 5/87 7/131 (18.7)
Andy Roddick 1/46 0/6 5/75 6/127 (21.2)

* Becker's four other Grand Slam titles came before 1990.
** Edberg's three other Grand Slam titles came before 1990.



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Federer Passes Djokovic For Lead In ATP Race To London

Age is just a number, right?

It certainly seems that way for  37-year-old Roger Federer. Thanks to his victory at the Miami Open presented by Itau, Federer now leads the ATP Race To London, taking a 55-point lead over second-placed Novak Djokovic.

Entering the ‘Sunshine Double’ — the first two ATP Masters 1000 tournaments of the year in Indian Wells and Miami — Federer sat in ninth place in the Race with 680 points, having just moved up 39 spots thanks to his triumph at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, an ATP 500 event. The Swiss star has made a giant leap since, first earning 600 points for his runner-up showing in the California desert and then adding 1,000 points on Sunday after lifting his 28th Masters 1000 title in Miami.

ATP Race To London - 1 April 2019

 Player  Points
 1. Roger Federer  2,280
 2. Novak Djokovic  2,225
 3. Rafael Nadal  1,605
 4. Stefanos Tsitsipas  1,460
 5. Dominic Thiem  1,145

It is the third consecutive year that Federer has led the Race after the ‘Sunshine Double’. Prior to accomplishing the feat in 2017, he had not done so since 2007.

The 101-time tour-level champion holds an 18-2 record so far this year, earning more wins than anyone else on the ATP Tour. He is trying to qualify for the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals for the 17th time. 

“These Masters 1000s are hard to win. They are really a test for me, especially later in my career,” Federer said. “I know these guys don't come around very often, so when they do, it's a bit of a surprise for me. That's why this one feels really cool in many ways.”

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Australian Open champion and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is second in the Race with 2,225 points. Rafael Nadal is third with 1,605 points thanks to making the final in Melbourne and the semi-finals in Indian Wells.

But perhaps the biggest standout in the Race thus far has been reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champion Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek star was 76th in the Race this time last year, but he leaves Miami this season in fourth position.

Tsitsipas has 1,460 points, 1,231 more than he had on 2 April 2018. The 20-year-old is trying to reach The O2 in London for the first time, striving to compete at the season finale from 10-17 November. He remains eligible to qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan for the second time.

Fifth-placed Dominic Thiem has put himself in good position early on in the Race, leaving South Florida with 1,145 points. The Austrian gave himself a major boost in Indian Wells, where he captured his maiden Masters 1000 title to earn 1,000 points.

Fan favourite Gael Monfils has made an early case to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals for the second time (2016), using an impressive start to the year to stand in seventh place with 995 points. Daniil Medvedev, who like Tsitsipas is a Next Gen ATP Finals alumnus, is currently on the bubble with 895 points.

The two #NextGenATP Canadians who made waves in Miami — Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime — are also in good position. Both semi-finalists in South Florida, Auger-Aliassime is No. 12 with 786 points, and Shapovalov is No. 14 with 675 points. It's an impressive effort by the teenagers, as Felix and Shapovalov were two and three years old, respectively, when Federer qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals for the first time.

They aren't the only Canadians who got off to a hot start in 2019, though. Former World No. 3 Milos Raonic is in 11th place with 855 points. Raonic competed at The O2 in 2014 and 2016.

Reigning Nitto ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev will look to ascend the Race standings during the clay-court season. The German currently is No. 22 with 535 points. Zverev is trying to qualify for the third consecutive year. Right behind him in 23rd place, also with 535 points, is former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka. The Swiss made The O2 four straight times from 2013-16.



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A Look Back At The 2019 Miami Open Presented By Itau

New venue, same drama under the Florida sun. The move to the Hard Rock Stadium was welcomed with plenty of riveting storylines and pulsating moments over the past fortnight in Miami. From an eight match point saving performance in the first round to Roger Federer adding to his trophy haul, relive the best moments of the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau...

Roger Romps For Fourth Miami Title: Federer dropped his first set of the tournament, against Radu Albot, but the Swiss was in cruise control from there. He did not drop another frame all week, dominating the field en route to his 101st title, 28th at the ATP Masters 1000 level and fourth in Miami.

It all culminated with a convincing 6-1, 6-4 win over John Isner in the final. Federer has not only reached three straight finals, posting a 15-1 record in that span, but he adds a Miami crown to his 2019 championship silverware in Dubai.

Read Final Match Report

Federer

Metal Hip For The Championship: Less than three months after kicking off his comeback from hip surgery, Bob Bryan returned to the Masters 1000 winners' circle with brother Mike Bryan. Bob was diving on his metal hip in a thrilling semi-final win, which saw the Americans save four match points, and he and Mike would clinch their sixth Miami crown a day later.

The Bryans defeated Wesley Koolhof and Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5, 7-6(6) for their 118th tour-level title and 39th at the Masters 1000 level.

“A doctor was cutting me open eight months ago and I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to make it back on court,” said Bob. “To win this title is a dream and certainly wasn’t possible eight months ago. This is huge for us.”

Read Final Match Report

Bryans

Isner's Miami Mastery: One year ago, the 6'10" American celebrated his first ATP Masters 1000 title on home soil in Miami. Despite falling one win short of retaining his crown, Isner produced a dominant display all fortnight in South Florida.

Not only did the World No. 9 refuse to drop a set en route to the championship match, but he went 9-0 in tie-breaks, topping the likes of Kyle Edmund, Roberto Bautista Agut and an inspired Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semis. It was his 27th tour-level final in total.

Read Final Match Report

Isner

Hard Rock Stadium Debuts To Rave Reviews: After 32 years, the Miami Open presented by Itau made the move from Crandon Park to Hard Rock Stadium, with 2019 marking the first year at the new venue. With a 14,000 person capacity stadium and expansive grounds that include 28 additional courts, needless to say the state-of-the-art facility has been a stirring success from first ball to last. Players and fans soaked in the energy and excitement throughout the fortnight at the home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins.

Read Feature

Miami

Canadian Teens Shine: It was a tournament to remember for Canadian tennis. Not one, but two #NextGenATP stars surged into the spotlight, with Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime both reaching the semi-finals. The teens announced their arrival on one of the ATP Tour's biggest stages and added their names to the record books along the way.

It marked the first time since 2007 that multiple teenagers reached the semis of a Masters 1000 event. The teens created such a buzz that even Federer took note and was full of praise for the future standard bearers of the sport.

Federer Full Of Praise For #NextGenATP Canadians

Canada

Bautista Agut Digs Deep: Comeback of the tournament? How about comeback of the year? Roberto Bautista Agut reached into his bag of tricks and pulled out a stunning 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory over Novak Djokovic in the fourth round. The Spaniard had dropped seven of the first eight games, falling behind by a set and a break, before storming back to upset the World No. 1 and six-time champion. Djokovic was previously 39-0 in Miami when winning the first set.

Not to be outdone, earlier in the tournament, Mischa Zverev rallied from eight match points down to defeat Nicola Kuhn.

Read Bautista Agut Feature

Bautista Agut

Why Is This Guy Retiring?: David Ferrer turned in a vintage display under the lights at Hard Rock Stadium, exhibiting his trademark grit and determination to upset Alexander Zverev from a set down. The 36-year-old, who is retiring from professional tennis next month, gave fans plenty to cheer for. It was his first win over a Top 5 opponent since 2015.

Read Ferrer Feature

Ferrer

Hubi's Heroics: One week after reaching his first Masters 1000 quarter-final at the BNP Paribas Open, Hubert Hurkacz made his mark in Miami. He earned the first Top 5 win of his career with a straight-set defeat of Indian Wells champ Dominic Thiem. The Pole's new partnership with coach Craig Boynton is already paying dividends.

Read Hurkacz Feature

Hurkacz

Roger & Rafa, 15 Years On: Fifteen years ago, a straight-set result in the Miami third round marked the beginning of tennis' most legendary rivalry. Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal was born.

Kevin Had Roger's Attention: Prior to Federer's quarter-final encounter against Kevin Anderson, the Swiss provided an early candidate for quote of the year, exclaiming, "If you beat me at Wimbledon, you've got my attention."

Safe to say, Federer was dialed-in for their seventh FedEx ATP Head2Head clash, producing a 6-0, 6-4 masterclass.

Read QF Preview

Anderson

Shapo's Rallying Cry: Shapovalov is set to make his Top 20 debut in the ATP Rankings after a stirring semi-final run in Miami. Perhaps his most impressive achievement of the fortnight was his trio of comebacks from a set down, exhibiting great poise under pressure. The 19-year-old rallied past Daniel Evans in the first round, followed by comeback wins over fellow #NextGenATP stars Stefanos Tsitsipas and Frances Tiafoe.

Read Shapovalov Feature

Shapovalov

Felix Not Scared Of Losing: Like his countryman, Auger-Aliassime is also ready for an ATP Rankings milestone, breaking into the Top 50 for the first time. Earlier in the tournament, the youngest semi-finalist in Miami history admitted he is not scared of losing. In fact, he embraced his defeat to Isner with a solo practice session immediately following the match. Immense talent and the work ethic to go with it.

Read Felix Feature

Nick At Night: Underarm serve? Check. No-look volley? Check. Radar-busting forehands? Check. Nick Kyrgios pulled out all the tricks in his bag in a blistering, yet entertaining, third-round win over Dusan Lajovic.

Say What? Kyrgios Says HE Was The Disciplined One

Kyrgios

Shot Of The Tournament: And the Aussie wasn't done there. In his next match, against Borna Coric, Kyrgios hit the shot of the tournament, firing a jaw-dropping tweener that brought the Miami faithful to its feet.

Kecmanovic Takes Over Media Day: One week after reaching his first Masters 1000 quarter-final in Indian Wells, Miomir Kecmanovic was put to the test on Miami media day. The Serbian teen played Next Gen reporter for the day, asking the tough questions to Federer, Djokovic and others.

Mackie Marooned On I-95: It takes a lot to deflate a lucky loser who has just toughed out a first-round third-set tie-break win. But standing on the side of Interstate 95, just north of Miami, at close to three o'clock in the morning is enough to dampen any man's mood.

Learn More

McDonald

The Newest Member Of 'Team Zverev': Alexander Zverev went all in during a visit to the Humane Society of Greater Miami, prior to the tournament. A scheduled half-hour promotional visit to the dog and cat adoption facility turned into a significantly longer commitment when he left with a two-month-old terrier mix.

Zverev Adopts Puppy: "Love At First Sight

Zverev

Tipsy Turns Back The Clock: Janko Tipsarevic went 570 days without a tour-level match win before advancing to the second round in Miami. After struggling with a litany of lower-body injuries over the years, the former World No. 8 has found a new inspiration to continue fighting: five-year-old daughter, Emili.

Tipsarevic Still Digging, Seven Surgeries Later

Tipsarevic

Back From The Sofa: Last February, Andrey Rublev reached his career-high ATP Ranking of No. 31. Two months later, he was at home on the sofa, recoving from a stress fracture in his lower back. But the Russian rediscovered his form in a hurry in Miami, scoring one of his biggest victories over ninth seed Marin Cilic, en route to the third round as a qualifier.

Read Rublev Feature

Rublev

What's Your Florida Man?: Grigor Dimitrov, John Isner, Steve Johnson, Jeremy Chardy and Radu Albot take on the 'Florida Man' challenge.



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The Best Hot Shots From Miami

Watch the best hot shots from the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.

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The Story Of The 2019 Miami Open Presented By Itau

Relive the best of the action from the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau. Photo Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.

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Video : The Best Hot Shots From Miami 2019

The Best Hot Shots From Miami 2019
Watch the best hot shots from the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.


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Video : The Story Of The 2019 Miami Open Presented By Itau

The Story Of The 2019 Miami Open Presented By Itau
Relive the best of the action from the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau. Photo Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.


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Federer: "It's Definitely A Moment You Appreciate"

The 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau was all about new beginnings, but in the end, some things never change.

On Sunday, Roger Federer became the first champion at the new Hard Rock Stadium, completing an impressive run to the title with a 6-1, 6-4 defeat of John Isner. After conceding his opening set of the tournament to Radu Albot, he was nearly flawless from there, blitzing the field for his fourth tournament title.

One year after succumbing to Thanasi Kokkinakis in an opening-round stunner, Federer admits that he wasn't entirely sure of his return to the ATP Masters 1000 event. Safe to say he's happy with the decision to come back.

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"It's easy to say that last year didn't work out, so I won't come back this year," said Federer. "And as I'm playing clay, maybe add rather another clay-court event. But I felt like let's extend the hard court season. Let's see the new venue. To be honest, I think that was something also I was excited to see... So I'm happy with the team we took the right decision.

"Of course you feel fortunate when you come all the way to the end of the event and you can sit here with the trophy. It's definitely a moment you appreciate a lot, because you know it could have turned out very different.

"And also the secret was I was more positive this year after losing in Indian Wells over last year. Because last year I was, I don't want to say frustrated, but I think I was down on myself. I think it cost me a little bit on confidence because I was so down. So maybe this year I didn't feel that way. Let's go to Miami and have a good tournament. And I did."

Federer notched his 101st tour-level crown, 28th at the ATP Masters 1000 level and fourth in Miami. Previously the champion at the old site on Key Biscayne in 2005, 2006 and 2017, the Swiss has fond memories of his time in South Florida.

In his post-match speech, an elated Federer reflected on his experiences competing in the area. From his junior days competing at Flamingo Park and The Biltmore to his Miami Open debut in 1999, the region has a special place in the 37-year-old's heart.

"The other three [Miami titles] were very special in many ways," Federer added. "I felt like it reflected who I have become until that moment. These Masters 1000s are hard to win. They are really a test for me, especially later in my career. So I know these don't come around very often, so when they do, it's a bit of a surprise for me. That's why this one feels really cool in many ways.

"Being able to fight back [vs. Nadal in the 2005 final] and find a way to win, I ended up playing unbelievable tennis. I really feel like it was a big moment for me in my life and in my career there. The final against Ivan [Ljubicic] was just during the time when I was dominating so much and I was thinking how many times could I beat Ivan in a row. All these things were happening. It was just a matter of extending whatever you can and for as long as you can.

"And then of course the win here two years ago, maybe as much as it didn't come as a surprise for people, for me it still did, because I felt like the tank was empty. I had a tough week here against Berdych and Kyrgios, as well. And I also didn't expect this one, to be honest. I lost in a very close final in Indian Wells and it was a new venue. I didn't know what to expect."

Federer will next compete at the Mutua Madrid Open, making his return to clay for the first time in three years. His last match on the surface came at the 2016 Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. He did not compete on the surface in 2017-18 to give his body a break ahead of the grass season. And while the Swiss says he is ready to make his clay comeback, he admits his confidence is low in making the transition.

"I'm not very confident going into this clay court season, I can tell you that. I didn't even remember how to slide anymore. I'm taking baby steps at this point. I didn't play one point - not one shot - on clay last year. Two years ago I played two days. Three years ago I played not feeling great in Monte-Carlo and Rome and all that. It's been so little that I really don't know what to expect.

"What this win does for me is it just takes even more pressure off from the clay-court season. That's what I'm looking at now the next four or five weeks, figuring out how we are going to go about it. I'm very excited. It's a good challenge, a good test."



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ATP Masters 1000: Tournaments, Records, Stats

The 2019 BNP Paribas Open ushered in the 30th year of ATP Masters 1000 tennis, with Dominic Thiem claiming his first title at the elite level. Roger Federer then captured the first Miami Open presented by Itau held at Hard Rock Stadium.

The Masters 1000 series, which debuted in 1990, features the best men's tennis players at nine top tournaments on the ATP calendar. Champions at Masters 1000 events earn 1,000 ATP Rankings points.

Tournament  City 2019 Dates Defending Champion
BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells 7-17 March Juan Martin del Potro
Miami Open presented by Itau Miami 20-31 March John Isner 
Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters Monte-Carlo 14-21 April Rafael Nadal
Mutua Madrid Open Madrid 5-12 May Alexander Zverev 
Internazionali BNL d'Italia Rome 12-19 May Rafael Nadal
Coupe Rogers Montreal 5-11 August Rafael Nadal
Western & Southern Open Cincinnati 11-18 August Novak Djokovic 
Rolex Shanghai Masters Shanghai  6-13 October  Novak Djokovic 
Rolex Paris Masters Paris  28 Oct - 3 Nov  Karen Khachanov


MASTERS 1000 TITLE LEADERS...
2019 marks the 30th year of ATP Masters 1000 tennis. There have been 66 different champions crowned in 261 events since the series began in 1990. Only six players have won more than 10 Masters 1000 titles. Rafael Nadal leads the way with 33 following a trio of Masters 1000 titles in 2018, while Novak Djokovic has 32.

 Player Titles
Rafael Nadal 33
Novak Djokovic 32
Roger Federer 28
Andre Agassi 17
Andy Murray 14
Pete Sampras 11


MASTERS 1000 WINS LEADERS...
Roger Federer leads Masters 1000 win leaders, with Rafael Nadal only a couple match wins behind the Swiss. Stan Wawrinka enters the Top 10 leaderboard after reaching the third round at the BNP Paribas Open, overtaking Tommy Haas (144-107 match record).

Player W-L Titles
Roger Federer 374-105 28
Rafael Nadal  366-77 33 
Novak Djokovic 335-75  32 
Andy Murray 212-81  14 
Andre Agassi  209-73  17
Tomas Berdych 191-117
Pete Sampras 190-70 11
David Ferrer 188-121
Andy Roddick  157-70  5
Stan Wawrinka  145-100  1

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GREATEST CHAMPIONS (since 1990)...
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan dominate the titles leaderboard for the Masters 1000 tournaments. 
City Singles Doubles
Indian Wells Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer (5) Mark Knowles, Daniel Nestor (4)
Miami Andre Agassi, Novak Djokovic (6) Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan (6)
Monte-Carlo Rafael Nadal (11)  Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan (6) 
Madrid Rafael Nadal (5) Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan (5)
Rome Rafael Nadal (8) Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan (4)
Canada Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal (4) Mahesh Bhupathi, Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan (5) 
Cincinnati  Roger Federer (7)  Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan, Daniel Nestor (5)
Shanghai  Novak Djokovic (4) Marcelo Melo (3)
Paris Novak Djokovic (4) Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan (4)


MAIDEN MASTERS
: Seven players have won their first Masters 1000 title over the past 16 series events:
Alexander Zverev (2017 Rome)
Grigor Dimitrov (2017 Cincinnati)
Jack Sock (2017 Paris)
Juan Martin del Potro (2018 Indian Wells)
John Isner (2018 Miami)
Karen Khachanov (2018 Paris)
Dominic Thiem (2019 Indian Wells)

In the 78 ATP Masters 1000 events prior to 2017 Rome, six players won their first Masters 1000 title:
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (2008 Paris)
Ivan Ljubicic (2010 Indian Wells)
Robin Soderling (2010 Paris)
David Ferrer (2012 Paris)
Stan Wawrinka (2014 Monte-Carlo)
Marin Cilic (2016 Cincinnati).

During the stretch from 2008 Madrid through 2017 Madrid, Novak Djokovic (26), Rafael Nadal (18), Andy Murray (13) and Roger Federer (12) combined to capture 69 of the 78 Masters 1000 titles (88.5%).



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Novak Djokovic HELPED Roger Federer secure Miami Open triumph against John Isner



NOVAK DJOKOVIC played his part in helping Roger Federer win the Miami Open, according to pundit Greg Rusedski.

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Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic cause tennis pundit DISAGREEMENT after Miami Open final



ROGER FEDERER and Novak Djokovic were at the centre of a discussion among tennis pundits Greg Rusedski and Daniela Hantuchova.

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Highlights: Federer Beats Isner To Win Fourth Miami Title

Watch highlights as Roger Federer defeats John Isner to win the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau, his fourth victory at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Miami. Photo Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.

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Video : Highlights: Federer Beats Isner To Win Fourth Miami Title

Highlights: Federer Beats Isner To Win Fourth Miami Title
Watch highlights as Roger Federer defeats John Isner to win the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau, his fourth victory at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Miami. Photo Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.


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Mertens & Sabalenka win 10th straight match to claim Miami title and Sunshine Double

Isner On Federer: 'He's Something Else'

Roger Federer spoke ahead of the Miami Open presented by Itau final about how attempting to return 2018 champion John Isner’s serve is like playing goalie, simply trying to put the ball back in play.

But it was Isner left scrambling on Sunday, in awe of the 37-year-old Swiss’ efforts. Federer broke the home favourite four times en route to his fourth Miami title.

“There have been some players [to handle my serve well]. He just does it a little bit differently. He just kind of blocks it back. Whereas Novak, when he's locked in, he just kind of rips it back, doesn't block it too much,” said Isner, who fell just two sets short of retaining his crown. “Roger was standing in close as well, just reacting very well and very fast to my serve. I mean, he's something else.”

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Isner had been broken just four times through five matches at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament entering the final. But Federer broke in the opening game and three times in the opening set. He never looked back from there.

“He was making a lot of returns back, blocking them back. I needed to come out, especially in that first game, and really try to assert myself. I didn't serve a particularly great game, but he made me pay for it,” Isner said of Federer’s immediate break. “I knew he was going to play well today. I knew he was seeing the ball very big. Certainly that was the case. I wasn't up to the task in the first set, that's for sure.”

It became clear in the second set that Isner was struggling with a left foot injury. But the 6’10” right-hander gave full credit to Federer for his performance.

“Roger was too good. In the first five games, I was fine,” Isner said. “Nothing was bothering me. He was all over me. Then this weird pain on the top of my foot, we'll see what is. I'm hoping it's nothing, but we'll see.”

Last year, Isner became the oldest first-time Masters 1000 champion when he triumphed at Crandon Park. While this year’s event was held at a new venue, Hard Rock Stadium, Isner played impressive tennis to reach the final without dropping a set.

“It's a terrible feeling, because you're on an island out there, and you have no teammates to hide behind and going up against the greatest player ever, playing in this incredible atmosphere, and my foot's killing me,” Isner said. “Not that I would have won the match, anyways, let's make that clear, but I think I could have made for a more interesting match and one that was a little more fun.”

While Isner leaves Miami disappointed with the final, he was able to soak in the atmosphere inside the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, where a packed crowd cheered on both players throughout.

“I'm very happy with it. I mean, that atmosphere out there today… I can't tell you how cool that was, seeing the whole upper deck full. I thought it was fantastic,” Isner said. “I think the players have enjoyed it. It's a lot of space. I think the fans have enjoyed it, as well. Just really simply amazing. I just wish I could have given them a little bit better match out there today.”



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Roger Federer will play until his 40s on two conditions - Daniela Hantuchova



ROGER FEDERER will continue playing into his 40s so long as two conditions are met, according to Daniela Hantuchova.

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Hot Shot: Miraculous Federer Recovery Mid-Point Against Isner

Watch Roger Federer scramble to stay in a point before turning defence into offence against John Isner in the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau final. Photo Credit: Al Bello/Getty Images. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.

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Video : Hot Shot: Miraculous Federer Recovery Mid-Point Against Isner

Hot Shot: Miraculous Federer Recovery Mid-Point Against Isner
Watch Roger Federer scramble to stay in a point before turning defence into offence against John Isner in the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau final. Photo Credit: Al Bello/Getty Images. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.


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Roger Federer thinks THIS about Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic - Greg Rusedski



ROGER FEDERER thinks Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic will win the French Open, according to tennis pundit Greg Rusedski.

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Roger Federer beat John Isner the moment he said these THREE words during Miami Open final



JOHN ISNER suffered a horrible knee injury as he lost the Miami Open final to Roger Federer.

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Kerber, Muguruza, Azarenka highlight star-studded 2019 Monterrey draw

Hot Shot: Federer Not Fazed At Net In Miami 2019 Final

Watch Roger Federer calmly finish off a point at net against John Isner in the final of the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.

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Federer Reveals Why He Thought He Broke Isner Too Many Times Early

Roger Federer discusses his fourth Miami Open presented by Itau triumph and why he thought he may have even broken John Isner too many times in the first set of the final. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.

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Video : Federer Reveals Why He Thought He Broke Isner Too Many Times Early

Federer Reveals Why He Thought He Broke Isner Too Many Times Early
Roger Federer discusses his fourth Miami Open presented by Itau triumph and why he thought he may have even broken John Isner too many times in the first set of the final. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.


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Video : Hot Shot: Federer Not Fazed At Net In Miami 2019 Final

Hot Shot: Federer Not Fazed At Net In Miami 2019 Final
Watch Roger Federer calmly finish off a point at net against John Isner in the final of the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.


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John Isner makes Roger Federer retirement DEMAND after Miami Open loss



JOHN ISNER has told Roger Federer to never retire after losing to the Swiss star in the Miami Open final.

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Roger Federer claim WITHDRAWN by Stefanos Tsitsipas: ‘I don’t want to drag him into this’



ROGER FEDERER saw his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all-time questioned last night, as Stefanos Tsitsipas claimed that the Swiss received privileges from an umpire.

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Roger Federer reveals John Isner injury ‘let down’ after Miami Open final win



ROGER FEDERER says he felt the crowd were “let down” because John Isner had to give up towards the end of their clash.

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Roger Federer's History In Miami

Roger Federer leaves the Miami Open presented by Itaú with plenty of momentum after capturing his fourth trophy at the event, also his 28th ATP Masters 1000 title. This was the 37-year-old Swiss' 18th appearance in the tournament. 

Fast Facts
- Federer defeated 2018 champion John Isner in straight sets in the final. The Swiss lost only one set in the entire tournament, coming in the first set of his opening-round match against Moldovan Radu Albot.

- Federer and Rafael Nadal’s first two FedEx ATP Head2Head meetings came in Miami, with Nadal emerging victorious from their first match in 2004. The Spaniard needed just 70 minutes to advance in straight sets.

- Federer has lost the first two sets in a best-of-five set tour-level final eight times. The only match he came back to win was the 2005 Miami final against Nadal.

- The Swiss star’s first Masters 1000 final came in Miami in 2002. Former World No. 1 Andre Agassi, who owns a record-tying six Miami titles (also Novak Djokovic), defeated Federer in four sets.

- Federer has not competed in doubles in Miami since 2003. But that year, he partnered Belarusian Max Mirnyi to the title, dropping just one set en route to lifting the trophy.

- Miami is one of four Masters 1000 events that Federer has triumphed at three times or more. He has also done so in Indian Wells, Hamburg and Cincinnati.

Five Federer Stats From Miami
First Match:
1999, Kenneth Carlsen def. Federer 7-5, 7-6(4)

First Title: 2005, Federer def. Rafael Nadal 2-6, 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-3, 6-1

Record: 56-14

Top 10 record : 11-5

6-0 Sets Won: 2

Most Recent Appearance: 2019
Federer arrived in Miami with plenty of momentum, having claimed his 100th tour-level trophy in Dubai and reached the championship match in Indian Wells. Despite losing the first set of his opener against Albot, Federer found some of his best tennis to dominate the rest of the tournament, winning 12 consecutive sets en route to his fourth Miami triumph.

Federer's run is just the second time he has lost only one set in Miami. He was not broken in the semi-finals against #NextGenATP Canadian Denis Shapovalov or the final against Isner.

Seed at the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau: No. 4

Did You Know?
Federer has won three matches in final-set tie-breaks in Miami, with two of them coming in back-to-back battles in the 2017 quarter-finals (def. Berdych) and semi-finals (def. Kyrgios).



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Miami 2019



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Roger Federer beating John Isner at Miami Open was not as good as Novak Djokovic - pundit



ROGER FEDERER beat John Isner to win the Miami Open title - but his win was not as good a performance as Novak Djokovic’s, according to tennis pundit Robbie Koenig.

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My Story: When Federer Realised His Knee Might Never Be The Same

Roger Federer reflects on his 2016 knee injury and his journey back to health and glory in his ATP My Story delivered by FedEx.

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Video : My Story: When Federer Realised His Knee Might Never Be The Same

My Story: When Federer Realised His Knee Might Never Be The Same
Roger Federer reflects on his 2016 knee injury and his journey back to health and glory in his ATP My Story delivered by FedEx.


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Hot Shot: Federer Breaks Isner With Flair

Watch Roger Federer break John Isner for the second time in the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau final with a running forehand passing shot for a winner. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.

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Video : Hot Shot: Federer Breaks Isner With Flair In Miami 2019 Final

Hot Shot: Federer Breaks Isner With Flair In Miami 2019 Final
Watch Roger Federer break John Isner for the second time in the 2019 Miami Open presented by Itau final with a running forehand passing shot for a winner. Watch live tennis streams at http://www.tennistv.com.


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Roger Federer WILL enter surprise tournaments on one condition



ROGER FEDERER will enter more of the smaller tournaments in a bid to catch Jimmy Connors’ all-time record - but only on one condition.

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LIVE: Federer vs. Isner For Miami Crown

There is plenty on the line as Roger Federer and John Isner clash for the title at the Miami Open presented by Itau.

The three-time champion Swiss is not only bidding for a 28th ATP Masters 1000 crown, but also a 101st title at the tour-level. Federer has been at his ruthless best in Miami, having won 10 consecutive sets to reach the championship match.

On the other side of the net, Isner is hoping to add a second Masters 1000 shield to his trophy case with a successful title defence in Miami. Last year, he defeated Alexander Zverev for the crown and on Sunday he is targeting yet another Top 5 scalp for the prestigious title.

It is the oldest combined final in the history of the Masters 1000 tournament. While 37-year-old Federer leads the FedEx ATP Head2Head by a count of 5-1, it was 33-year-old Isner who claimed their most recent meeting, prevailing on the indoor hard courts of Paris in 2015.

Much has changed since they last met four years ago, but Federer's serving prowess against Isner remains. Entering Sunday's final, he had saved a combined 16 of 16 break points against the North Carolina native.

Watch Live



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Roger Federer SHOULD NOT discount John Isner in the Miami Open final - Greg Rusedski



ROGER FEDERER should not underestimate his Miami Open final opponent John Isner, according to Greg Rusedski.

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Roger Federer vs John Isner LIVE: Latest updates from the Miami Open final



ROGER FEDERER and John Isner go head-to-head in the final of the Miami Open at the Hard Rock Stadium, Express Sport is on hand to provide live updates.

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