Federer sets sights on Vilas record
Players Under the Microscope
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Editor /
04 March 2007 /
Roger Federer claimed his fourth Dubai Open title in five years - and then targeted Guillermo Vilas' all-time record of 46 successive victories.
World number one Federer overcame a sluggish start against Mikhail Youzhny before finally sealing a 6-4 6-3 victory on Sunday to claim his 41st win on the bounce, equaling Bjorn Borg's run, and seventh straight title.
The Swiss superstar could equal Vilas' all-time record of 46 successive victories in Indian Wells next week.
"I had a bit of a rough start here, struggled in the early rounds, and Mikhail made a good start and I had to react," said Federer, who was 0-2 down in the first set.
"But I am full of confidence and am on a great run. I did react and then my game came together nicely.
"Of course I usually play well in Indian Wells, but I will have to be at my best (to equal the record)."
Federer, who is trading at 1.06 on Betfair's 2007 Specials - ATP Champions Race market, beat James Blake on the American's home soil 7-5 6-3 6-0 in the final last year and will head to California as the favourite when the markets open for this ATP Masters event.
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