Federer storms to first title of the year in Rotterdam

Published on 20/02/2012 03:27

Roger Federer outclassed Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro 6-1, 6-4 in the final of the World Indoor Tournament in Rotterdam to win his first title of the year.

The top-seeded Swiss, who also beat Del Potro in the quarter-final of the Australian Open last month, dominated every rally and wrapped up the first five games before the Argentine third seed had anything to his credit.

Federer impressed on his first break point when his volley was returned by Del Potro with a lob before the former world No 1 clinched the game with a smash.

“The first set I really was rock solid, while in the second it was more tight and he had his chances,” said Federer. In the second set, a break in the sixth game proved sufficient for Federer to put his name on the winners’ board for the second time following 2005.

With his outstanding performance in the final, the 30-year-old Federer made clear that speculation about retirement is inappropriate. Federer said that even during a meeting with former Dutch national football coach Marco van Basten it was discussed and that Van Basten told him to continue as long as he can.The Swiss said: “I think it has to do with when you turn 30 people think you might retire instead of considering that you are on two-thirds of your career.”

He added: “Andre Agassi was 36 when he retired, so I will be a few more years on the tour.”

Meanwhile, top-ranked Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, shook off a lingering ankle injury to win the Qatar Open on Sunday, routing Sam Stosur of Australia 6-1, 6-2. The Australian Open champion showed no ill effects after twisting her right ankle in the semi-final against Agnieszka Radwanska.

It was her 17th straight win and first title since becoming world No 1 after her victory in Melbourne.