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Monday, 13 October 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Roger Federer of Switzerland kisses the trophy after winning the men’s singles final match against Gilles Simon of France at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai October 12, 2014. Federer claimed one of the few titles to have previously eluded him after he overcame a sluggish start to beat injured Frenchman Simon in the final of the Shanghai Masters on Sunday. REUTERS
(Reuters) - Roger Federer claimed one of the few titles to have previously eluded him after he overcame a sluggish start to beat injured Frenchman Gilles Simon in the Shanghai Masters final on Sunday.
The Swiss 17-times grand slam singles champion triumphed 7-6(6) 7-6(2) to register his 23rd Masters Series title and first in China, where strong winds caused the roof on the Stadium Court to be closed.
The 33-year-old Federer let off a huge roar and threw both fists into the air after a battling Simon netted a return to hand the Swiss his fourth title of the year and the 81st of his career.
“Well, it just makes me very happy winning here because this tournament means a lot to me,” Federer told reporters.
“I’ve always enjoyed coming here. I’ve come close a couple of times, but I’ve always wanted to win it as a Masters 1000.
Simon, who had knocked out Australian Open winner Stan Wawrinka and sixth seed Tomas Berdych en route to the final, took a medical time out for treatment on a suspected groin problem at the end of the set and looked uncomfortable upon his return.
