STUTTGART, June 17, 2018

Roger Federer captured his 98th ATP World Tour career crown, winning the 2018 MercedesCup. The top seed in Stuttgart edged past Milos Raonic in Sunday’s singles final 6-4, 7-6(3).

In front of packed stands on Centre Court at the Tennis Club Weissenhof, Federer was the first man to break the Canadian’s serve this week in the third game with a backhand return winner. The Swiss maestro served the opening set out in the following after 33 minutes.

Without any more break points, the encounter went into the tie-break, in which Raonic doubled faulted at 4-3, handing Federer the advantage, who finished the encounter with his first match point after one hour and 18 minutes.

First 🏆 in Stuttgart!@rogerfederer defeats Milos Raonic 6-4 7-6(3).#MercedesCup pic.twitter.com/7Dpfi7azEa

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 17. Juni 2018

First title in Stuttgart on third attempt

Roger Federer

“I am very happy about the way I played this week. I never felt bad on the court, which is a very encouraging feeling to have. Not dropping my serve, being there in the important moments,” said Federer, who was pleased with his performance during the last couple of days.

“The next 48 hours will be hectic. I am going to drive to Switzerland tonight, watch the Switzerland game. I don’t know how hectic that is going to be. We will see.

“Then I will fly to Halle tomorrow, probably playing my first match on Tuesday. It’s key to get through the first round there, where I have to defend my title,” Federer described his further schedule.

“I will have a quiet week before Wimbledon with not many things going on, which is great. I just hope to stay injury free and healthy.” 

Asked if he will return to Stuttgart in 2019, Federer said: “I haven’t made a decision yet. I have an idea but nothing is concrete.”

Positive week for Raonic

Raonic finished runner-up on grass for the third time after Queen’s and Wimbledon 2016 but was able to take some positives from the week.

“I didn’t do much wrong. Roger guessed the right way on the big points,” Raonic told. “I stayed positive had a good mentality, which is the most important thing after not playing so much. I played efficiently and overall everything is incredibly positive. I hope that I can keep that going.”

Petzschner/Pütz take doubles crown

Earlier in the day, Philipp Petzschner and Tim Pütz clinched the doubles title. The German wild card entries defeated Robert Lindstedt from Sweden and Marin Matkowski of Poland 7-6(5), 6-3 in one hour and 22 minutes.

Philipp Petzschner and Tim Pütz

“To enter the tournament as a wild card and to win it afterwards is great, especially here at home in Germany,” said Petzschner, who has become the first player since Rafael Nadal to win a title in Stuttgart on both surfaces, on clay and grass.

Following four victories on the ATP Challenger Tour this season, Pütz lifted his maiden title on the ATP World Tour: “There is a great harmony between us on the court. We have known each other for a long time. It’s also Philipp’s first title with a German player. So I am very happy to be that person. It’s fantastic to win the tournament.”