Federer hits 101 in Miami

Playing in his 50th Masters 1000 final, Roger Federer glided to his 101st career title with a two-set win (6-1, 6-4) over 2018 Miami Masters champion John Isner.

Here it is, the moment @rogerfederer claimed his 4th #MiamiOpen title, d. Isner 6-1 6-4 🎉

Horrible to see @johnisner struggling with injury, 🤞 you're ok! pic.twitter.com/h1BhzijyXa

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 31, 2019

After fighting his way through his opening round, the Swiss Maestro pulverized every other player in his path, giving up only 29 games all week. As for Isner, nine—yes, NINE—of his ten matches were decided in a tiebreak!

Going into the final, Federer had a 5-2 record against the American, but the two hadn’t faced each other since 2015 and fans may have expected a tighter match.

Federer broke his opponent from the outset with a string of return winners, as a dismayed Isner hit unforced error after unforced error. Twenty-five minutes later, Federer had the first set in hand.

6-1 in 2️⃣4️⃣ minutes

Federer on 🔝#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/bsDvVeAGOV

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 31, 2019

In the second, Isner seemed to have found his rhythm. He was able to keep the momentum going until the ninth game, when he signaled to his team that he was unable to stand on his left foot. He played through the pain until his opponent ended his suffering: with his fourth break of the match, Federer secured his 101st career title.

“What a week it’s been for me! I’m just so happy right now. It’s unbelievable. I played here in 1999 for the first time and here I am in 2019. It means a lot to me.”

With his success in Miami, Federer moves up one spot in the rankings to World No.4. Isner falls one to No.10.

(Feature photo: Miami Open)