Federer wins Miami Open to stand alone on tour

For the ageless Roger Federer, winning never gets old.

Now 37, Federer became tennis’s first repeat champion of 2019 when he won his 101st career title by beating a hobbled John Isner on Sunday in the Miami Open final, 6-1 6-4.

Federer neutralised Isner’s big serve and won 32 of 35 points on his own serve. The 6-foot-10 Isner scrambled so desperately to stay in rallies that he hurt his left foot and limped badly through the final few points.

Isner said afterward he didn’t know the nature or severity of the injury.

Federer was the Dubai champion on 2 March, and was runner-up to Dominic Thiem at Indian Wells two weeks ago. He is 18-2 this year – the best record on the men’s tour – which stamps him as a threat to add to his record total of 20 Grand Slam titles in 2019.

“Unbelievable for you to keep winning and playing this level of tennis,” Miami tournament director James Blake, a former top-five player, told Federer during the trophy presentation. “It makes me feel like such an underachiever. We’re all just in awe.”

Isner also paid tribute to Federer during the ceremony.

“You were entirely too good today, entirely too good this whole tournament,” Isner said.

“You are entirely too good your whole career. It’s absolutely incredible what you’re doing. We’re so lucky to have you in this game, and we all want you to keep playing and literally never retire. So keep it up, man.”

The first 33 men’s and women’s titles in 2019 were won by 33 different players, including Ashleigh Barty in the Miami women’s final on Saturday. Federer is the first repeat winner in 20 men’s tournaments this year.

“Kind of fitting,” Isner said.

Federer first played in the tournament as a wildcard 20 years ago. He won the title in 2005, 2006 and 2017 before it moved from Key Biscayne to its new home this year in the Miami Dolphins’ complex.

“It has been a super long journey for me here,” Federer told the crowd. “To stand here right now really means a lot after so many years.”

A classy message from @rogerfederer for 2018 champion @JohnIsner ????

Get better soon, John#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/xmfNmkoskO

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 31, 2019

The temporary stands inside the NFL stadium were almost full for the final, but Federer quickly defused any drama. He broke in the opening game and then twice more in a first set that lasted only 24 minutes.

“Champion, Roger!” a fan yelled during a lull, prompting cheers. Federer went on to earn the adjective yet again.

To compound matters for Isner, he said the top of his foot started to hurt during the first set, and the problem grew worse as the match progressed.

“It’s a terrible feeling,” Isner said, “going up against the greatest player ever, playing in this incredible atmosphere, and my foot’s killing me.

“Not that I would have won the match anyway. Let’s make that clear. But, you know, I think I could have made for a more interesting match, and one that was a little more fun.”