Federer outlasts Del Potro for eighth Basel title

Roger Federer displayed some rare flashes of temper as he battled past Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro 6-7 (5) 6-4 6-3 for an eighth Swiss Indoors title in front of a partisan Basel crowd Sunday. The 36-year-old local favourite, beaten by Del Potro in consecutive Basel finals in 2012 and 2013, was ragged at times and looked in danger of an unwanted hat-trick, but showed all his fighting qualities to turn the match around. Fourth seed Del Potro, making a late run to try and qualify for next month's ATP World Tour Finals in London, broke serve in the first game of the decider but wilted as Federer stormed back to the delight of a raucous crowd inside the St Jakobshalle. World No 2 Federer charged into a 5-2 lead and while Del Potro delayed the end by holding serve, Federer would not be denied and racked up his 95th career title as Del Potro fired a backhand long under pressure.

With his victory in Basel, @rogerfederer surpasses Ivan Lendl to become 2nd in singles titles in Open Era.

Connors 109?? Fed 95??#USOpen pic.twitter.com/VlUgDcRqqy— US Open Tennis (@usopen) October 29, 2017

In edging past Ivan Lendl's 94 Federer is now alone in second place on the all-time title list which American great Jimmy Connors leads with 109. Victory means Federer trails world No 1 Rafael Nadal by 1,460 points going into the Paris Masters where 1,000 points are on offer for the champion, although Federer has hinted he may miss that tournament to prepare for the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London in November. Del Potro would have moved into the eighth and final qualifying spot for London had he claimed a third Basel title, but now must reach the semi-finals at least in the French capital to make it to the season-ending tournament. Federer broke serve in the opening game but Del Potro hit back immediately when Federer netted a backhand.

- 8th #Wimbledon title ? - 8 finals in 2017 ✅ - 8th Basel title ??@rogerfederer might just have found a new lucky number this season... pic.twitter.com/PgBCQI024a

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) October 29, 2017

Del Potro struggled to hold serve and cracked at 4-4 under a flurry of Federer winners. Federer could not serve out the set though and was broken as Del Potro took it to a tiebreak. Federer went 3-0 up but lost six successive points. He saved two set points but Del Potro took the opener on his third chance - leaving Federer flustered.

How many more will he be kissing this year? @rogerfederer wins 95th career title, No.7 for the year and No.8 in Basel. pic.twitter.com/vKHYRmvMsD

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) October 29, 2017

The 19-time grand slam champion smashed his racket into the net at one point during the opening set, but it was Del Potro's turn to lose his cool when he dropped serve at 4-5 in the second as the crowd roared Federer on. Del Potro took the opening game of the decider but looked fatigued as Federer found another gear to surge back.