Roger Federer is quite happy for his countryman, Stanislas Wawrinka, despite falling short of clinching his first Monte Carlo title following his three-set loss on Sunday.
Wawrinka won his first Masters 1000 title; the world number three coming from a set down to beat Federer 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 on Sunday morning.
It is only the 29-year-old’s second win over compatriot Federer in 15 tries and his first title since emerging victorious at the Australian Open in January.
“I’m very happy for Stan. It’s a huge win for him after winning his first Grand Slam this year, to win his first Masters 1000 [trophy],” said Federer, 32.
“To take the opportunities when they’re there, that’s key in a tennis player’s career.”
Both Davis Cup teammates thrilled the crowd gathered at the Monte- Carlo Country Club, who had the privilege to witness a first all-Swiss ATP World Tour final in 14 years. The duo even practiced together ahead of the final showdown.
“It was a great pleasure to share this moment with Stan,” Federer added. “It was a tennis celebration on a beautiful court.”
Federer have finished runner-up to Rafael Nadal on three occasions (2006-08). He won his 78th career title Dubai earlier this year as well as reaching finals in Brisbane, Indian Wells and now Monte-Carlo.
With the ATP World Tour Masters event in Madrid and Rome coming up before the French Open, the Swiss number two believes he and Stan could challenge Nadal and Novak Djokovic for the second Grand Slam of the year.
“I think we’re right there… We’ve put ourselves in [winning] positions time and time again,” Federer said. “This was one of those weeks we were able to capitalise on it. Stan did the same at the Australian Open. I did it in Dubai. It’s definitely a good start to the season for all four of us.”
