Khachanov stuns Djokovic to win first Masters title
By JEROME PUGMIRE PARIS (AP) — Karen Khachanov
PARIS (AP) — Novak Djokovic’s latest victory over Roger Federer was among the toughest and best in their epic rivalry, a 7-6 (6), 5-7, 7-6 (3) feast of attacking tennis which had the roaring crowd on their feet and remained in doubt until the very end.
It finally ended, after three hours, when Djokovic moved 6-1 up in the tiebreaker. Federer saved two match points but cracked in a long rally and chopped a backhand into the net.
“We had epic matches throughout our rivalry but this one definitely ranks as one of the best,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic’s fourth straight win over Federer and 25th in 47 contests sends him into the final against unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov, who has never played in a Masters final.
“This is my best match of the year, that’s for sure,” Djokovic said, addressing the crowd in French. “Big respect to Roger.”
By ADAM ZAGORIA Rafael Nadal withdrew from the
BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Roger Federer won his 99th career ATP tour title on Sunday, beating qualifier Marius Copil 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the Swiss Indoors final.
A ninth title at Federer’s hometown event in Basel, where he was once a ball boy, matched the nine he has won at the Halle grass-court event in Germany. He closed the gap on the all-time singles titles list to Jimmy Connors, who leads with 109.
Federer blew kisses to a 12,000 crowd in the renovated St. Jakobhalle, which now gives Basel’s local hero a bigger main stage.
“It’s been a magical week. It was dream run for me,” Federer said in his on-court acceptance speech, before his fans’ ovation brought tears welling in his eyes.
By ADAM ZAGORIA
NEW YORK — Juan Martin del Potro walked into his post-match press conference looking like a man who had just finished crying.
He had just come off losing the US Open final to his good friend Novak Djokovic, 6-4, 7-6, 6-3 before a capacity crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“To be honest, I was crying till now,” the gentle giant del Potro said. “I’m very sad for being a loser today. But Novak deserved to take the trophy. He played a great match, very smart game. I had my opportunities during second and third set.
But I was playing almost at the limit all the time, looking for winners with my forehands, backhands, and I couldn’t make it because Novak were there every time. He’s a great champion. So I’m glad for him.”
