Federer says he needs rest after Miami Open win

at the very end.”

Federer erased all four break points he faced, and while he failed to take advantage of five early break-point chances himself, he broke in the next to last game of both sets.

Serving for the championship at 54, Federer hit his only double-fault on the first point but quickly regrouped. The next point was the longest of the match, and Federer ended the 19-shot rally with a forehand winner in the corner.

When Nadal sailed a return long on the final point, Federer took the ball on a bounce behind the baseline and sent it into the stands, then waved both hands in jubilation. The sellout crowd was evenly divided in its support but roared for the popular champion.

Federer saved two match points in his quarterfinal win against Tomas Berdych, and earned a threetiebreaker win in the semifinals against Nick Kyrgios. He didn’t face six-time champion Novak Djokovic or two-time time champion Andy Murray, who missed the tournament because of elbow injuries.

Even so, Federer’s recent run is remarkable. He has the best record on men’s tour this year at 19-1, including 7-0 against players ranked in the top 10, and has won 11 matches in a row. His best start since 2006 comes after he missed the final six months of last year with a left knee injury.

“Amazing start to the season,” Nadal said. “One of the best comebacks ever on the tour.”

“For me,” Federer said, “the dream continues.”