Glad to have the company: Jimmy Connors welcomes Roger Federer to the ‘Triple Digit’ club

Roger Federer recently won his 100th career title at the Dubai Tennis Championships and received a class message from the only – Jimmy Connors.

The Swiss star beat Stefanos Tsitsipas – who knocked him out of January’s Australian Open – 6-4 6-4 to reach the milestone. Federer had won his first title in 2001 in Milan and has now gone within nine victories of record-holder Jimmy Connors.

The 66-year-old – who retired in 1996 – won eight Grand Slam titles during a trophy-laden career. Connors applauded Federer’s victory and welcomed the veteran to the ‘100 club’.

He tweeted on Saturday, “Welcome to the “Triple Digit” tournament victory club @rogerfederer — I’ve been a bit lonely- glad to have the company”.

Welcome to the “ Triple Digit” tournament victory club @rogerfederer — I’ve been a bit lonely- glad to have the company !!!

— Jimmy Connors (@JimmyConnors) March 2, 2019

Federer spoke about his win and said, “I'm so happy I'm still playing. I won my first title in Milan. It's been a long wonderful journey, it’s been great and I wouldn’t do it any differently. I've loved every minute. Of course, it is tough to be on the road and away from your friends but it was all very worthwhile.

"We’ll see how much more I’ve got left in the tank. But reaching 100 is an absolute dream come true for me. We are living in a day and age where all the records have to be shattered. Not for me. I’m just happy I'm still healthy. I’m happy I have such a wonderful team, family. They all supported me for so long so I can’t thank them enough.

"It was a very special evening playing Stefanos and seeing the future coming up in the tennis game. It’s part of this whole journey. It’s not about breaking every single record to be quite honest."