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Fan favourite Fed picks up three gongs in a day


 

Originally published on: 15/03/10 12:19

While no stranger to the odd trophy or two (the small matter of 62 in fact, if we’re talking career titles) Roger Federer usually limits himself to one at a time.

But after firing the exact number of winners as he has career titles to beat Victor Hanescu and progress to the third round of the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday evening, the Swiss great scooped three in one night.

Honoured in an on-court presentation by the ATP, the 28-year-old was presented with trophies for 2009 Player of the Year, Fans’ Favourite Player of the Year, and the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship award.

“I’d like to thank the fans for voting for me,” the world No.1 told the crowd after being presented with the Fan Favourite Award for a seventh straight year.

“You guys are amazing. Thank you. As you know, you guys make this even more worthwhile traveling around the globe from January to November.”

Always at home in Indian Wells having picked up the ATP Masters 1000 title on three consecutive occasions between 2004 and 2006, the world No.1 added:

“I love coming back here, so it’s very nice to get presented the awards here.”

Following the on-court presentation was a video tribute to Federer’s career.

“Receiving those awards is always a nice thing,” said the already heavily decorated Federer at his post-match press conference.

“Those are things that got voted for by other people, especially fellow players or fans, it’s something that’s very touching. Then on top of that, the video was nice, sitting there, sharing the moment with the fans, watching it, as well at the same time. It’s emotional.”

Also awarded by the ATP on Sunday was American John Isner, who was presented with the ‘Most Improved Player of the Year’ award for his achievements in 2009.

Now ranked world No.20, the 24-year-old climbed from No.145 to a career-best No.34 by the end of 2009. He has since won his maiden ATP title – defeating Frenchman Arnaud Clement for victory in Auckland in January.

Isner faces countryman Sam Querrey in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open, keen to avenge his defeat in their last meeting – in the final of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis last month.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.