Roger Federer received a warm welcome: After returning to the top of the world rankings, tournament director Ralf Weber welcomed the record Grand Slam champion with a big cake at the grass court tournament in Halle.
“I love to play in Halle again. It’s one of my favorite tournaments. It’s my most successful tournament,” said the 36-year-old Swiss, who, after his first triumph last week in Stuttgart, still arrived in Halle in a “high mood”.
“It was a cool moment when I checked the world ranking today and was on the one,” said Federer, who is aiming for his tenth title as record winner in Halle: “The goal is to defend the title. There’s no doubt about it. I had a good week in Stuttgart and hope to have a good start here.”
The last two matches in Stuttgart were particularly nerve-wracking: In the semi-final against Nick Kyrgios Federer only won in the tiebreak of the third set, also against Milos Raonic in the final the match took a close course.
To remain number one next week, the 36-year-old must successfully defend his title in the preparation tournament for Wimbledon (starting July 2). Even Federer has not yet won ten tournaments in his successful career. Today, Tuesday, he will face the Slovenian Aljaz Bedene in the first round (third match after 12:00).
It would be his 99th triumph on the ATP tour, the 100th title could follow in Wimbledon (from 2 July) of all places. “It’s special to be in the record books in my favourite sport,” said Federer, who has been the oldest number one in history since February, when he first displaced French Open winner Rafael Nadal (Spain) from the top position this year.
“It can’t be taken for granted that I can still do this. Even more than once this season,” said Federer. For the third time this year he took over the world ranking leadership from his old rival Nadal.
Here the single tableau in Halle/Westphalia