Stuttgart Open: Federer to face Raonic in finals

Stuttgart: Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is all set to face Milos Raonic in the championship match of Stuttgart Open. Federer defeated Australian Nick Kyrgios in the semi-final to book his place in the decider.

The semi-final clash with Kygrios was an absolute thriller which went on to the tie-breaker. After an intense battle, Federer defeated the Australian in straight sets, 6-7 (2-7),6-2,7-6 (7/5).

Swiss tennis maestro, with his semi-final win, dethroned the long-time rival Rafael Nadal and regained the top spot in the ATP rankings for the sixth time in his career.

The shuffling in ATP rankings will be a huge confidence booster for the Swiss player ahead of Wimbledon who skipped the French Open this year to stay fresh for the grass-court season.

Federer started off his tennis season on a winning note by bagging the Australian Open title and now he will be looking forward to putting his hands on Wimbledon trophy for the ninth time in his career.

Sunday’s battle for Stuttgart Cup will be the 98th title clash of Roger’s career. (ANI)