Roger Federer in fits of LAUGHTER after beating Grigor Dimitrov - reason why explained
ROGER FEDERER was in stitches of laughter after winning the Rotterdam Open final on Sunday.
Roger Federer was in stitches after the Rotterdam Open final
Federer, 36, dispatched Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-2 in under an hour to cap off a dream week.
In it, he returned to the world No 1 position to become the oldest ever to top the ATP rankings.
He was only competiing in Rotterdam at late notice after ringing tournament director Richard Krajicek and asking him for a wildcard.
Krajicek has won the tournament twice himself - in 1995 and 1997 - and was only too happy to oblige to ensure the greatest player on the planet was there.
A laughing Roger Federer enjoyed Richard Krajicek's jokes
Richard Krajicek took the microphone after the final
Federer thanked the Dutchman in his post-final speech on court and Krajicek's response had the Swiss star laughing.
He joked: "Roger I'm a little bit upset. I told you already.
"You called me up and said 'I want to be number one'. I said 'okay, I can give you a place to be number one but I said you don't break my record'.
"We have together two tournament titles and we keep it like that.
Roger Federer is the 2018 Rotterdam Open winner
"Then, what do you do today? Okay, I forgive you!
"Well done Roger and I'm so happy you won. It's just a joy to see you play and I am proud you chose Rotterdam to be the place to be number one."
Speaking for the first time after taking the crown, Federer said: "Thank you very very much. What a week it's been, absolutely amazing.
"The goal was to make it to the semis but I won the tournament so I am very happy.
"I would like to thank everybody who has been part of this tournament over the years. Getting the players back and making them feel incredibly welcome.
"Of course I would also like to congratulate Grigor after a tough week. I hope you feel better tomorrow or tonight already.
"All the best for the season, keep it up and I'm sure I'll see you around soon."
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