Roger Federer’s run of 17 straight wins in 2018 came to an end as Juan Martin del Potro beat him 6-4 6-7 (8-10) 7-6 (7-2) in a thrilling encounter.
But on route to the final, Federer received a special prize from 11-time Grand Slam champion Rod Laver.
After Federer’s win over Borna Coric in the semi-finals, the 36-year-old was presented with one of Laver’s very own rackets.
Laver tweeted a picture of the pair with the caption: “Delighted to present @RogerFederer with my Dunlop Maxply inscribed: ‘To the greatest, from Rod Laver ’62 ’69’ after his SF win today. Onto another final @BNPPARIBASOPEN.”
Despite their meeting before the Indian Wells final, Federer couldn’t take any inspiration from Laver as he was far from his best against Del Potro.