Federer claims 1,000th career win in Brisbane final

Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates his men's singles final win against Milos Raonic of Canada at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, January 11, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

BRISBANE - Roger Federer beat Milos Raonic in an enthralling final at the Brisbane International on Sunday to register his 1,000th ATP career win and complete the perfect build up to this month's Australian Open.

Federer survived the inevitable serving blitz from the towering Canadian to win the two hour 13 minute slugfest 6-4 6-7(2) 6-4 and join Jimmy Connors (1,253) and Ivan Lendl (1,071) as the only men to reach the magical milestone.

The Swiss master, as fiercely competitive as ever at the age of 33 even if he doesn't move quite as quickly as he once did, also chalked up his 83rd career title and has now won at least one tournament every year since 2001, an unbroken streak spanning 15 seasons.

Federer was presented with the tournament trophy by Roy Emerson, a 12-time grand slam winner, and also received a special framed photo marking his 1,000th win from Rod Laver, the only tennis player to win all four majors in the same year on two separate occasions.

"It's a special moment, no doubt about that," Federer said at the post-match presentation.

"I've played a lot of tennis over the years...so to get to 1,000 wins means a lot to me and I will never forget this match."

Raonic, one of the emerging stars of men's tennis since making the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year was gracious in defeat and also paid tribute to Federer, saying he was in awe of his achievements.

"We all know today is a significant milestone for Roger," he said. "When we came out and they listed all the things you've won, I thought you must have been playing for 2,000 wins."