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Roger Federer's brilliant gesture for ballkids 25 years in the making

Roger Federer has celebrated his 99th career title with a beautiful homage to his past.

The 37-year-old delighted his home crowd by landing his ninth Swiss Indoors title in Basel, winning 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 over Romanian qualifier Marius Copil.

The top seed overcame an inspired opponent who took the lead early in each set but was pegged back by the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Federer will now aim to win number 100 by the end of the season.

“It’s been a magical week for me, a dream run for me,” Federer said.

Roger Federer receives his winners trophy. (photo by David Emm/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Roger Federer receives his winners trophy. (photo by David Emm/Action Plus via Getty Images)

“Nine (titles) is a huge number for me. Winning that many times here is crazy. It’s been a major week for me in terms of records.”

Federer then celebrated with his traditional post-final pizza party with the ballkids – of which he was one in Basel 25 years ago.

Federer often speaks of his fondness of his time as a ballboy in Basel, and now gives back to the kids who are in his place today.

The Swiss legend also presented the kids with medals for their efforts throughout the week.

Roger Federer celebrates his victory with the tournament ballkids. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
Roger Federer celebrates his victory with the tournament ballkids. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)

Federer won his 20th straight match at the tournament and has played in 12 straight Basel finals.

“This was almost a turnaround week for me,” the Swiss legend said.

“Maybe I had to win through fighting. Maybe it was different than some of my past victories.

“But winning is fun, winning gives you confidence. That’s what I need if I want to do well in London, to do my best there.

“But for me now it’s about winning here, I don’t care about anything else. It means the world to me. I’m happy to win in front of my home crowd.”

The 93rd-ranked Copil was competing in the biggest match of his life after emerging from qualifying.

But after knocking out sixth seed Marin Cilic and backing it up by defeating third seed Alexander Zverev in the last four, the Romanian found himself facing the king of the court in the final.

“I played quite good tennis, it was an amazing week,” he said.

“I’ve gained a a lot of confidence in myself. I know I can play at a high level and keep it up with the great players.

“I’d love to see now what kind of results I can have – but it went his way today, this is how it ended.”

Victory was the 37-year-old Federer’s 71st at the event.

with agencies