Federer Wins 10th Basel Title

Some things seem like they’ll never change on the ATP Tour. Roger Federer won his 10^thSwiss Indoors Basel title on Sunday, entering double digits at a tournament for only the second time by racing past #NextGenATP Aussie Alex de Minaur 6-2, 6-2.

Federer, playing in front of a fervent home crowd, played attacking tennis against the speedy 20-year-old, who was going for his fourth title of the season (3-1). The 38-year-old broke four times, mixing up the pace and keeping De Minaur on the move from the back of the court.

“It was fast but very nice. I think I played a great match. It was a tough opener, in the beginning, the first five games, we had some great rallies. I never looked back,” Federer said. “I was great on the offence, made very few unforced errors and came up with the big shots and served well when I had to.

“I thought Alex played a great tournament as well, and I think we both can be very happy. But what a moment for me to win my 10th here in my hometown of Basel.”

The Aussie targetted Federer’s backhand, but Federer combatted the strategy well, slicing balls to keep De Minaur guessing. The Swiss broke twice in the opening set, smashing an overhead for a 3-1 lead and taking advantage of a loose service game from De Minaur to close out the opening set. In the second, the home favourite ripped a forehand pass to break in the second game and place a stranglehold on momentum.

“He just puts you under pressure,” De Minaur said. “Any ball that isn’t a metre from the baseline for him is a short ball. That’s something I learned the hard way today. But I can’t wait until I’m able to step out and play him again.”

The Swiss now can count Basel alongside the NOVENTI OPEN in Halle as his most successful tournaments by titles won. Federer has won his home ATP 500 during his past five appearances. He improved to 75-9 at the tournament and has won 24 consecutive matches on centre court. “[I] couldn’t be more happy,” Federer said. “What a great tournament it’s been for me, always, but particularly the last few times I’ve been here.”

Roger Federer’s Most Titles By Tournament (All Tournament Records)

Federer won his fourth title of the season, tied for second best on the Tour, and the 103^rd of his career (103-54). He will receive 500 ATP Rankings points and €430,125 in prize money. 

De Minaur, who was going for the biggest title of his career, will get 300 ATP Rankings points and €216,025 in prize money. The Aussie is projected to crack the Top 20 of the ATP Rankings for the first time in his career on Monday. De Minaur is also set to make his second appearance at the Next Gen ATP Finals, to be held 5-9 November at the Allianz Cloud in Milan.

“I’m very happy… [It’s] been an incredible experience, one which I will learn a lot from,” De Minaur said. “I think it’s a lot of good work that I’ve put in, a lot of hard work with my team. I’m happy to see the results paying off.”

Most Tour-Level Titles In 2019