Roger Federer delivered his first Miami Masters victory in 2000. An 18-year-old defeated Justin Gimelstob 7-5, 6-3 in 73 minutes for a place in the second round and a milestone victory. In December 1998, Roger claimed the Orange Bowl crown at Crandon Park in Miami and returned there a couple of months later to compete at the Masters 1000 event.
The 17-year-old lost to Kenneth Carlsen in two tight sets in the first round, waiting until 2000 to clinch the first triumph at the Miami Open. It came against Gimelstob in straight sets, celebrating his first Miami Open triumph and the fifth at the Masters 1000 level.
Defending his second serve superbly, Roger fended off two break chances. He shifted the pressure to the other side and produced one break in each set to find himself over the top.
Roger Federer’s first Miami Open victory came vs.
Justin Gimelstob in 2000.
Both players had more winners than unforced errors, with the Swiss hitting over 20 direct points and under ten unforced mistakes. The young gun forced over 30 Gimelstob’s errors and dominated the shortest range up to four strokes to forge the triumph.
Roger made a reliable start and held from 30-0 down in the first game. He fended off a break chance in the third game with a forehand winner and brought it home after…
