Federer ends long Nadal drought for 7th Basel title

ROGER FEDERER rated his 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 win over Rafael Nadal as the best of his Swiss Indoors career after claiming a seventh title at his home event yesterday.

The 34-year-old Swiss took special pride in the two-hour victory after last beating Nadal three and a half years ago.

He improved to 11-23 in the series which defined men’s tennis for a decade.

“This was my best victory in Basel, considering everything I’ve done throughout my career here,” said Federer, playing in a record tenth consecutive trophy match at his local venue, where he began as a ballboy two decades ago.

“It was a big match for me, probably more than for him.

“After all the matches and big finals we’ve played over the years, to have a final here in Basel was amazing for the crowd and for me personally. To come through and win was very special.

“The match was close, I think I had a bit more of it throughout, I had chances in the second set but he fought back well like he’s done throughout the week.

“I had some closer moments in the third set, overall I was pretty happy how I played. It was a great atmosphere and a very special day.”

Nadal had won 14 of their previous finals, with Federer claiming six. But the Swiss has now improved to 5-1 against Nadal on indoor surfaces.

Nadal was still pleased with his own effort.

“A few small things made the difference, like one game in the third set (when he was broken for 35). I was not very far away,” said the 29-year-old.

“He played too well and I didn’t play bad either. It was a positive final for me – I lost but I was very close to the win.” – AFP