Federer clinches London title against tired Nadal
SWISS ace Roger Federer won the season ending ATP Tour Finals time for a record equalling fifth time at the expense of his great rival Rafael Nadal.
Federer overcame the world No1 in three sets to draw level with Pete Sampras and Ivan Lendl, and claim his first victory in this tournament since it moved to London’s 02 Arena.
The Swiss star will also head home more than £1m richer after going through the week undefeated, while 1,500 ranking points are a start in his bid to wrest back the No1 spot from Nadal, who won three successive grand slams in 2010 but yesterday failed to pick up the one major title still to elude him.
“It’s fantastic. I’m really thrilled the way I played all week. To win a fifth time is obviously amazing, for the third time in a different place,” said Federer after a 6-3 3-6 6-1 win.
“I’m really happy the way I was able to finish the season. Oviously beating Rafa in the final makes it extra special because of the year he had.”
A magnanimous Nadal said: “Roger played unbelievable throughout the whole week. It was a fantastic year for me, probably the most emotional of my career.”