Stefanos Tsitsipas will compete in his third Dubai final on Saturday, The Greek lost the previous two to Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. He know hopes to topple Felix Auger-Aliassime and celebrate in the desert for the first time.
Speaking about his first Dubai final, the Greek admitted the mixed feelings after finishing runner-up. While losing a ATP final is never easy, especially at the young age, Stefanos felt thrilled about his idol’s achievement.
Namely, Roger lifted his 100th ATP title that day, becoming the second player in the Open era to achieve that after Jimmy Connors. Thus, it was a bittersweet moment Tsitsipas still cherishes. He cracked the top-10 following this result and liked what he saw about his tennis future.
Reminiscing on the time Roger Federer defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships to lift his 100th tour-level title.🙌#NittoATPFlashback | #partner pic.twitter.com/iVaxrJfYAx
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 25, 2025
The young gun stunned the legend at the Australian Open a couple of weeks earlier. However, the Swiss responded in the desert at one of his favorite tournaments, beating the Greek 6-4, 6-4 in 70 minutes and writing history books.
Roger claimed 15 points more than Stefanos and served at 76%. The veteran defended both break points and mounted the pressure on the other side. Tsitsipas also faced two break points, failing to defend them and settling for the runner-up prize.
Stefanos Tsitsipas & Roger Federer, Dubai 2019© Stream screenshot
Federer landed 25 winners and 15 unforced errors, taming his strokes nicely and forging the win in the shortest range up to four strokes. They stayed neck and neck in the mid-range and most extended exchanges, with the young gun presenting his rich talent.
Roger grabbed a break in the first game of the match when his rival sprayed a forehand error. The Swiss served well and moved 5-3 up with a forehand volley winner in game eight. Federer served for the set at 5-4 and squandered a 40-0 lead.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, Dubai 2019© Stream screenshot
The veteran faced two break points and saved them before wrapping up the set after Stefanos’ forehand mistake. They served well in the opening eight games of the second set, with the Australian Open semi-finalist following the legend’s pace.
However, it all changed at 4-4. From 0-30, Roger landed a winner and welcomed three mistakes from his opponent to provide a crucial break and move 5-4 in front. Federer served for the title in game ten and landed three service winners, moving over the top in style and earning his 100th ATP trophy.
Roger Federer, Dubai 2019© Stream screenshot
“I was sad for myself but also happy about Roger and his incredible achievement. It was a great day to remember, and I knew my tennis was headed in the right direction. It felt good to fight in the ATP 500 final against a strong rival, and I wanted more of that in the future.
I cracked the top-10 after that week and felt proud of myself, as I always wanted to accomplish that,” Stefanos Tsitsipas said.
Tennis World USA