Roger Federer who has been deemed the greatest of all time celebrated the regaining of his world No 1 ranking by winning the Rotterdam Open on Sunday.

 

He glided past Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-2 in the final, two days after becoming the oldest player to top the ATP rankings, aged 36.

 

Federer only needed to reach the touenament’s semi-final to seal a return to the status as world No 1, a record 14 years after he first did so, but completed a historic week by lifting the trophy.

 

World No 5 Dimitrov was never able to get close to the imperious Federer, who needed only 55 minutes to win the final for the concession of just four games which was absolutely impressive for his age.

 

Federer first broke to go 3-2 ahead in the opening set, and then did so again after a brilliant sweeping shot down the line.

 

Dimitrov showed signs of an injury throughout the second set although he was able to break Federer’s serve, which was only a brief reprieve.

 

Federer dominated from thereon, whipping the ball from his base-line past Dimitrov, who was not at his most mobile.

 

The Rotterdam Open is Federer’s 97th career title, 12 short of Jimmy Connor’s all-time record. Federer’s 20th ATP 500 title is a record, one ahead of Rafael Nadal.

 

He entered the tournament as a wildcard and took advantage of Nadal’s absence, who was the world No 1 until Federer won his quarter-final on Friday.

 

He now enters his 304th combined week as the world No 1, which is another all-time record.

 

Source: sky sports

Photo Credit: Daily mail