Battle of old rivals goes Federer’s way

ROGER Federer got one over his old rival Rafael Nadal to win the Shanghai Masters 6-4, 6-3 yesterday, in a showdown between the two best players on the planet.

It was a 94th title for the Swiss legend, drawing him level with the great Ivan Lendl, and a fifth victory in a row against world No 1 Nadal.

Nadal, who admitted afterwards that he had been beaten by the better man on the night, was ahead in their overall record going into the clash – 23 wins to Federer’s 14.

But this time he was up against it almost right away.

No2 Federer put the Spaniard under the cosh by breaking him in the first game – to roars of approval from the majority inside the arena.

Another break to Federer, 36, in the pivotal fifth game of the second set put him in reach of a second Shanghai Masters crown – and a sixth title this year.

“We didn’t think maybe we were going to have the year we did, I definitely didn’t,” Federer said afterwards, looking at Nadal, reflecting on their continued success, even at this late stage of their careers.

“It’s been a pleasure playing against you here today.”

Federer started better to grab the break and he then rattled through his own service game for 2-0. A 19-time Grand Slam champion, he was in full flow under the Qizhong Tennis Center roof, which was closed because of downpours in Shanghai.

Nadal, 31, fresh from winning the US Open and China Open, groaned while lashing many of his shots, while Federer was all quiet efficiency.

He made it 4-2 with two booming aces in a row, drawing huge cheers.

In contrast, Nadal – who is a 16-time Grand Slam winner but had never won the Shanghai Masters – was labouring through his service games.

Nadal sent down his fourth ace for 5-4, only for Federer to seal the set with his seventh ace.

There was little between the great rivals in the early exchanges of the second set until the fifth game.

Nadal saved the first break point but could not survive the second to put Federer in reach of the title.

Nadal’s defeat sees Federer close the gap at the top of the world rankings. – AFP