Federer wins, takes a break

– Roger Federer, fresh from winning his third title of the year in Miami yesterday, said he will take a nearly two-month break from the sport before returning for the French Open in late May.

After defeating long-standing rival Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4 to win the Miami Open, Federer said he won’t be playing clay court events including Masters series events in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.

“I’m not 24 any more so things have changed in a big way and I probably won’t play any clay court event except the French. That is what it is going to look like. I need rest, my body needs healing, I need time as well to prepare, you will probably see me at the French again,” he told ESPN in an oncourt interview.

“I want to stay healthy and enjoy myself. Because when I am healthy and feeling good, I can produce tennis like this, when I am not feeling this good there is no chance I will be in the finals competing with Rafa.

“That is why this break coming now in the clay court season and focusing everything now on the French, the grass and then the hard courts after that is going to be the key for me,” he added.

Since returning from his six month injury lay-off, the 35-yearold Federer (above) has also won the Australian Open and Indian Wells.

There has always been a marked contrast between Federer and Nadal’s differing styles and it was even more evident yesterday.

Nadal was working hard in the afternoon heat, thrusting himself into his shots while the elegant Federer’s poise appeared almost casual.

Nadal leads their career headto-head record at 23-14, due entirely to his superiority on clay, but Federer now leads 10-9 on hardcourt. –