Roger Federer claims 1,000th career win to triumph at Brisbane International

Roger Federer's status as the finest tennis player of his generation was further cemented after the 17-time grand slam champion recorded a momentous 1,000<sup>th career win to claim the Brisbane International title with a three-set victory over Milos Raonic.

Federer becomes the third player to reach four figures after Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl, and was presented with a special award by Rod Laver and Roy Emerson after prevailing 6-4, 6-7(7-2), 6-4 in the first tour final of the season.

The 33-year-old's 83<sup>rd career title came as Raonic squared the match at one-set all by winning the second set tiebreak, before Federer saved five break points prior to winning the all-important 10th game to win the title.

"It's a special moment, no doubt about it," said an emotional Federer. "I've played a lot of tennis over the years, so to get to 1,000 wins tonight really means a lot to me. I'll never forget this match.

"Looking back, it's almost nicer winning this way through a tight match with nerves and humid conditions against a great player in a final.

"It means so much more than just running away with it with the score maybe 6-4, 6-4, which was looking very likely at one stage. I guess I was much more happy having to go three sets in the end rather than winning in straight."