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German Tommy Haas says his Gerry Weber Open victory over Roger Federer could be the 'greatest and best thing' in his career.
Haas has struggled with injuries over the past two years but battled back to claim his first title since winning the same tournament in 2009.
The former world number two beat Federer 7-6 6-4 in Sunday's final and will climb up from 87th to 51st in the rankings on Monday.
"If I think about it, it could be the greatest and best thing in my career," Haas said.
"To win against such a strong player like Roger in this final in Germany is something really special.
"I won my last title in 2009 here and couldn't defend it a year later because of an operation. Because of that it's even more fantastic right now."
Haas, a wild card entrant and the oldest player in the singles draw at 34, was subdued after clinching the title at Gerry Weber Stadion.
"First of all I think I was surprised," Haas said.
"I knew that on the other side of the court there is a good friend of mine and a player I really respect a lot.
"When we got to the net, I told him I cannot believe that I was able to beat him again and he said I should enjoy it because I really played well, and that I deserved the win.
"I'm not the kind of person to scream out loud on the court but inside I felt a great happiness.
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Federer, the current world number three, was gracious in defeat, but sent a warning to his rivals ahead of Wimbledon.
"If there is one person I would have liked to win this it was Tommy," Federer said.
"It was a beautiful tournament for him, winning here in Germany.
"He didn't show as many emotions as one might have expected but that was possibly the shock and not wanting to celebrate too much in front of me although he is absolutely allowed to do so.
"It would have been amazing to have gone to Wimbledon with the (Halle) title but even without I am feeling good and I am convinced that I will play a great tournament and that I will be difficult to beat."
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