Roger Federer won the 64th trophy of his career on Sunday to move into joint fourth on the all-time victory list with Pete Sampras as the Swiss defeated German Florian Mayer 6-4, 6-3 in the Stockholm Open final.
Playing at the event for the first time since 2000, Federer inflicted defeat on number 47 Mayer, which also marked his 36th straight win against a German since a loss in June 2002 to Nicolas Kiefer.
Federer and Sampras — who lost a senior event in China to Greg Rusedski — stand joint fourth in the overall table, which is led by Jimmy Connors (109 titles) from Ivan Lendl (94) and John McEnroe (77).
The Swiss world number two completed a dream week in the capital as he played the small event for only the second time in a decade.
“I played a great event, it was a tough final. Florian played well, a terrific final. I’m very happy to win,” said Federer.
“The quarter, semis and this final were dangerous. I came here after five matches in Shanghai so I’m pleased to have backed that up.
I felt really at home and I think that showed on the court.” Federer’s trophy was his third of 2010 after the Australian Open and Cincinnati prior to the US Open.
Federer lost an early break in the first set as Mayer got it back in the seventh game. But the Swiss rose to the occasion for a break-back to level at four games apiece. A game later, the seed was back in control as he produced a love game and swept up the set in just over half an hour on his second chance. Federer began the second set serving, broke for 4-2 and steamed home on his second of three match points with a concluding service winner.
“Roger really deserved to win,” said Mayer, who has yet to win his first career trophy after three finals. “I hope you get back to number one as soon as possible.”
“I had a great time in Stockholm, it was unbelievably successful,” said Federer. “I hope to come back next year but if not then, in the years to come.”
