Roger Federer seals return to world No 1 status in style by winning Stuttgart Cup

The Swiss player proves too strong for his Canadian opponent in Germany as he prevails 6-4, 7-6

STUTTGART, GERMANY - JUNE 17: Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates a point during the foinal match against Milos Raonic of Canada during day 7 of the Mercedes Cup at Tennisclub Weissenhof on June 17, 2018 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Roger Federer in action in Stuggart on his way to beating . Alex Grimm / Getty Images

Jun 17, 2018

Roger Federer has sealed his return to world No 1 in style by winning the Stuttgart Cup with a victory over Milos Raonic in the final on Sunday.

The 20-time major winner proved too good for his Canadian rival as he claimed the 98th title of his illustrious career with a straight sets 6-4, 7-6 triumph in Sunday's showdown.

Federer had guaranteed he would usurp Rafael Nadal at the top of the ATP world rankings on Saturday with his three-set win over Nick Kyrgios in the semi-finals.

Federer had gone back to No 1 for the first time since 2012 in February, but had lost the position back to Nadal in April when he was beaten in the second round at Miami.

Federer now begins preparations for his attempt to win Wimbledon for a ninth time. The defending champion at SW19 will be in action on Centre Court on July 2 when the action in England begins.

The change at the top of the rankings, which will be published on Monday, means that Federer is almost certain to be No 1 seed at Wimbledon, the first time he will have held that position since 2010.

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