Swiss ace, Roger Federer played his A-tennis today to overcome the challenge of World Number One, Rafael Nadal to clinch his second Shanghai Masters title.
He beat his Spaniard rival 6-4 6-3 for the title that he last won in 2014. It was his 27th Masters title and 94th career titles.
Federer gave notice of his intention in the match when he broke Nadal in the opening game and producing a flurry of aces, forehand and backhand winners, he went ahead to clinch the set 6-4.
The ruthless Federer also broke Nadal twice in the second set, while Nadal was serving at 2-2 and 3-5. He closed the match in less than 90 minutes.
Nadal leads their FedEx ATP Head2Head rivalry 23-15, but Federer has tried to narrow the margin, having won their past five match-ups.
With torrential rain drenching the Qi Zhong Tennis Center, the roof was closed for the blockbuster clash of titans. Federer was in control from the first ball, looking to break down Nadal’s defence with an assault of forehands and backhands.
In each of Federer’s three previous victories over Nadal this season – at the Australian Open and ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami – the Swiss won more than 75 per cent of first serve points.
His delivery was on song once again in Sunday’s final, claiming 83 per cent of total service points in closing out a 6-4 first set.
The second set featured more vintage Federer, as the second seed struck a stunning drop volley winner and forced Nadal to misfire on a forehand to claim the break for 3-2.
Federer executed his game-plan to perfection throughout the 71-minute affair, sealing the win on his second match point when a Nadal forehand found the net.
“It was a very difficult match for me,” said Nadal. “He played very fast and he played well. I don’t know how many unforced errors he made. I could have done some things better, but that’s it. He just played too good. That’s my point of view. So congrats to him.
“I played a fantastic tournament, having very good wins. Very pleased the way I played the whole Asian tour for me. Beijing and Shanghai have been a very positive two weeks for me. A lot of points, a lot of victories against great opponents. I come back with very good personal satisfaction the way that I played.”
*With ATPWorldtour.com
