ATP Vienna, Austria

Top 5 photos, October 21: Federer rolls to Basel win in 1500th match

In Vienna, Matteo Berrettini overcame a slow start to win his opener and protect his current Race to London lead on Monday.

Published October 21, 2019

The Chase for the Championships continued in Basel and Vienna, as a celebrated champion was the main attraction and a Race to London contender turned his opener around to march forward. These are the Top 5 photos from Monday.

Roger Federer headlined the opening night of action at his home tournament in Basel, taking the court to begin his 19th main draw appearance in his 1500th career tour-level match. In 1998, he made his debut as a 17-year-old against Andre Agassi and previously served as a ball boy for the indoor event.

Swiss Roger Federer enters the court to play against German Peter Gojowczyk during the 1,500th match of his career at the opening day of the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament on October 21, 2019 in Basel. - Roger Federer check off another landmark on October 21, 2019 when he starts his bid for a 10th Basel title by playing the 1,500th match of his career. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) — © AFP via Getty Images

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Federer delivered on all fronts for his fans, requiring just 53 minutes to dismiss Peter Gojowczyk, 6-2, 6-1. The 38-year-old improved to 72-9 lifetime at the event and is bidding to capture his 10th title, having lifted the trophy on his past four appearances.

German Peter Gojowczyk (L) congratulates Swiss Roger Federer after winning his 1,500th match of his career at the opening day of the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament on October 21, 2019 in Basel. - Roger Federer check off another landmark on October 21, 2019 when he starts his bid for a 10th Basel title by playing the 1,500th match of his career. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) — © AFP via Getty Images

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Singer Anastacia provided pre-match entertainment for evening spectators in Basel. The American has a popular following in Europe but especially Switzerland, where her first three studio albums charted at No. 1. The Chicago native has beat breast cancer twice and has used her platform to advocate for further awareness.

US Singer Anastacia performs at the opening ceremony of the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament on October 21, 2019, in Basel. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) — © AFP via Getty Images

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US Open semifinalist Matteo Berrettini continued his quest to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals, rallying past Kyle Edmund, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Berrettini began Monday holding the eighth and final position in the Race to London, though just 355 points separate the Italian and the No. 13 spot, occupied by Gael Monfils.

Italy's Matteo Berrettini returns during the match against Great Britain's Kyle Edmund (unseen) at the ATP Open Tennis tournament in Vienna, Austria, on October 21, 2019. (Photo by HANS PUNZ / APA / AFP) / Austria OUT (Photo by HANS PUNZ/APA/AFP via Getty Images) — © APA/AFP via Getty Images

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Grigor Dimitrov, who turned his season around by advancing to the last four at Flushing Meadows, was also victorious in Vienna. The former world No. 3 converted five of his 11 break points to defeat Damir Dzumhur, 6-3, 7-5, and in turn, reached 300 career match wins. Dimitrov is aiming to win his first title since triumphing at the ATP Finals two years ago.

Bulgarias's Grigor Dimitrov returns during the match against Bosnia's Damir Dzumhur (unseen) at the ATP Open Tennis tournament in Vienna, Austria, on October 21, 2019. (Photo by HANS PUNZ / APA / AFP) / Austria OUT (Photo by HANS PUNZ/APA/AFP via Getty Images) — © APA/AFP via Getty Images

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