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Roger Federer after beating Rafael Nadal: Saved the best for last

Updated on: 16 October,2017 08:40 AM IST  |  Shanghai
AFP |

Roger Federer crushes his great rival and World No 1 Rafael Nadal for fifth successive time to win Shanghai Masters title 6-4, 6-3

Roger Federer after beating Rafael Nadal: Saved the best for last

Roger Federer said he "saved the best for last" after he beat great rival Rafael Nadal for the fifth time in succession to win the Shanghai Masters yesterday. The surprisingly one-sided 6-4, 6-3 victory over the world number one from Spain brought a 94th title for the Swiss legend, drawing him level with the great Ivan Lendl. Nadal, who admitted afterwards that he had been defeated by the better man on the night, was ahead in their overall head-to-head record going into the clash — 23 wins to Federer's 14. But this time he was up against it almost right away.


Roger Federer of Switzerland holds the trophy after winning his men
Roger Federer of Switzerland holds the trophy after winning his men's final singles match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai on October 15, 2017. Pic/AFP


Number two Federer put the Spaniard under the cosh in breaking him in the first game, to roars of approval from the majority inside the arena. Another break to 36-year-old Federer in the fifth game of the second set put him in reach of a second Shanghai Masters crown — and a sixth title in 2017. Federer, who has been managing his schedule to wring the best out of his ageing body, said he had improved as the week went on and felt he hit peak form just when it mattered. "It's been a tough week. Five straight matches is always a test and challenge for anybody's body especially with rising pressure," he said.


"I felt I was playing well all week and that settled my nerves because I was returning well from the match here against (Diego) Schwartzman (in his opener). "The serve only got better and I saved the best for last — I played some great matches, against (Juan Martin) del Potro in sets two and three and now these two sets here today. In a way not surprising because I felt good all week... I was ready." Federer, a 19-time Grand Slam champion, was in full flow under the Qizhong Tennis Center roof, which was closed because of downpours. Nadal, 31, fresh from winning the US Open and China Open, groaned while lashing many of his shots while Federer was all quiet efficiency. Nadal's defeat sees Federer close the gap at the top of the world rankings as the year approaches its climax.

94 Number of career titles Roger Federer has won, equalling Ivan Lendl

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