Federer battles fatigue, Nadal to win third Miami Open title
KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. — Weary from three months of winning, Roger Federer hit one last shot Sunday, whacking a celebratory forehand into the stands to punctuate his victory over Rafael Nadal in the Miami Open final.
Now comes a well-deserved twomonth break.
“I’m not 24 anymore,” Federer said. “I need a rest. My body needs healing.”
He’s not complaining. At 35, Federer is playing some of the best tennis of his career — so good he’s even dominating his longtime nemesis. Federer beat Nadal for the third time this year, 6-3, 6-4, to become the oldest men’s champion in the 33-year history of the tournament.
Federer also defeated Nadal in the Australian Open final in January, as well as two weeks ago en route to winning another title at Indian Wells. He’s the first three-time champion this year on the men’s tour — and ready for a break.
The father of four has an exhibition scheduled this week, but he plans to skip the bulk of the clay court season before returning for the French Open in late May.
“I want to stay healthy,” Federer said. “When I’m healthy and feeling good, I can produce tennis like this. If I’m not feeling this good, there’s no chance I’ll be in finals competing with Rafa.”
Federer said he arrived at Key Biscayne with low expectations, given his heavy workload of late, and felt tired in the final. Humid, 85-degree weather didn’t help, but he won anyway. Nadal wore neon yellow, but there was no slowing Federer.
“On the big points, I was just maybe a little bit better,” Federer said. “It was more of a fight mode I was in today trying to stay afloat. It has been a draining week.”
The victory turned back the clock, as Federer has done so often of late. He also won Key Biscayne in 2005 and 2006.
Nadal fell to 0-5 in Key Biscayne finals, including in 2005 against Federer. He was also runner-up in 2008, 2011 and 2014.
“It’s disappointing for me that I am trying during all my career,” Nadal told the crowd with a smile during the trophy ceremony. “Every three years I am in this position, but always with the smaller trophy.”
Said Federer to his rival: “I truly believe you are going to still win this tournament. You’re too good not to.”
Both players agreed the match was closer than the score and decided by a handful of points.
“I got a few important ones,” Federer said. “I played the right way, like I have so often done this year, just very committed, and it paid off at the very end.”
Federer has the best record on the 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.”