Roger Federer embraced his third reign on the ATP throne in 2012, passing the 300-week mark and writing history books. The Swiss had to wait almost five and a half years to become world no. 1 again in February 2018. Roger defended the Australian Open crown at the start of the season and had a chance to become the world’s leading player in Rotterdam. Federer took a wild card and had to reach the semi-final to pass Rafael Nadal and take the throne from him. Roger passed the opening two rounds and faced the home star Robin Haase in the quarter-final. Federer scored a 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory in an hour and 19 minutes to move into the last four and secure the no. 1 spot on Monday. At 36 years and 195 days, Roger became the oldest world no. 1 since the beginning of the ATP rankings in 1973. The honor came following an incredible run that saw him winning three Majors and three Masters 1000 crowns in the past 13 months.
Roger Federer secured No. 1 spot in Rotterdam 2018.
Roger lost the opener against Robin but stormed over his rival in sets two and three to sprint over the finish line. The Swiss faced one break point, costing him the opening set. He took control in the rest of the clash and never looked back while marching toward the ATP throne. Robin saved three break points in the encounter’s second game to avoid an early setback and gain confidence. Roger served at only 42% and played without his regular sharpness from a forehand wing. Federer kicked off the ninth game with a double fault and sprayed two more errors to experience two break points. The Dutch passed the Swiss with a forehand winner to forge the advantage and serve for the opener.
Haase wrapped up the set in style, hitting four winners in the tenth game and moving a set away from a surprise. Roger raised his level in the second set, serving at 70& and dropping four points in his games. The pressure was on Robin, and he could not endure it. The home player struggled physically and got broken in games two and six. Roger moved 2-0 in front with a volley winner and rattled off the opening 11 points of the set to build the advantage. Moving slowly and struggling to impose his shots, Haase got broken again to fall 5-1 down. Roger completed the set with a hold at love a few minutes later for 6-1 and a boost. The winner was known when Federer broke twice at the start of the deciding set to open a 3-0 gap. Robin barely finished the match without retiring, hitting a double fault at 1-5 to propel Roger into the semi-final and toward history.