Tennis: Federer clinches second Rotterdam title

Swiss tames del Potro in straight-sets victory.

ROTTERDAM: Switzerland’s Roger Federer won his second title at the Rotterdam Open seven years after his first as he defeated Argentine Juan Martin del Potro 6-1, 6-4.

Federer now owns 71 career trophies after lifting his first of this season. He finished 2011 with three straight titles indoors at Basel, Paris Bercy and the London year-end championships.

The victory took 30-year-old Federer’s record against del Potro to 9-2, with the Swiss winning three of four in the series after losing the 2009 US Open final to the South American.

“It’s incredible that it took me seven years to come back and defend my title. I hope the next time doesn’t take so long. But if it does, then it means I’ll be playing for another seven years,” joked the Swiss, who saved all seven break points he faced in the 88-minute victory.

“This title marks a great start to the season. My team made a lot of sacrifices and it’s been an amazing week for us.”

Federer’s winning week ended a run of two straight singles losses, the Australian Open semis to Rafael Nadal and a Davis Cup rubber against John Isner.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th, 2012.