Federer happy

Federer happy for Wawrinka’s Monte-Carlo win

Despite the disappointment of losing to Stanislas Wawrinka in the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters final on Sunday, Roger Federer expressed his happiness for his countryman’s success. Wawrinka triumphed 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-2 for his second win in 15 tries against Federer and his first title since winning the 2014 Australian Open in January.

“I’m very happy for Stan. It’s a huge win for him after winning his first Grand Slam this year, to win his first Masters 1000 [trophy],” said Federer. “ To take the opportunities when they’re there, that’s key in a tennis player’s career.”

The fans packed Court Central at the Monte-Carlo Country Club, excited for the first all-Swiss final on the ATP World Tour in 14 years.

“It was a great pleasure to share this moment with Stan,” Federer said. “It was a tennis celebration on a beautiful court.”

The 21-time ATP World Tour Masters 1000 champion was seeking his first Monte-Carlo title, having finished runner-up to Rafael Nadal thrice (2006-’08). He is 1-3 in finals this year, winning his 78th career title in Dubai and reaching finals in Brisbane, Indian Wells and Monte-Carlo.

“I played with a lot of intensity during the past month,” said Federer. “I’m happy that I can relax.”

The 32 year old next heads to ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Rome before playing Roland Garros, where Federer sees himself and Wawrinka challenging Nadal and Novak Djokovic for the championship.

“I think we’re right there… We’ve put ourselves in [winning] positions time and time again,” Federer said. “This was one of those weeks we were able to capitalise on it. Stan did the same at the Australian Open. I did it in Dubai. It’s definitely a good start to the season for all four of us.”