Roger Federer: Swiss star reveals tennis inspiration after Rotterdam final win
ROGER FEDERER has revealed what inspired him to become a tennis player after winning his 97th career title today.
Roger Federer reveals what inspired him to become a tennis player
The 36-year-old recorded a comfortable two-set victory over Grigor Dimitrov in the Rotterdam Open final to win the event for the third time.
Federer regained his world No 1 status on Friday by beating Robin Haase in the quarter-finals.
And the veteran looks simply invincible in 2018 so far.
But despite the many accolades Federer has picked up during his glittering career, he has not forgotten where it all began.
"Thank you to ABN AMRO for supporting this tournament," he said after his victory.
Roger Federer regained his tennis world No 1 status this week
That is what inspired me to become a tennis player and I'm still living the dream
"The volunteers, the people behind the scenes that you don't see, they make us very happy here.
"I would like to thank the officials, the linespeople, the umpires and the ball kids.
"I started like this for two years at my home tournament in Basel.
"Always a special thank you to you guys.
"That is what inspired me to become a tennis player and I'm still living the dream.
"Thank you guys."
Federer took part in a lighter schedule last year which saw him lift his eighth Wimbledon trophy.
And it is unclear whether the veteran will take part in fewer events during the clay court season this time around.
ROTTERDAM OPEN CHAMPIONS
2005 - Roger Federer
2006 - Radek Stepanek
2007 - Mikhail Youzhny
2008 - Michael Llodra
2009 - Andy Murray
2010 - Robin Soderling
2011 - Robin Soderling
2012 - Roger Federer
2013 - Juan Martin del Potro
2014 - Tomas Berdych
2015 - Stan Wawrinka
2016 - Martin Klizan
2017 - Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
2018 - Roger Federer