Federer returns to winning ways in Hamburg

Roger Federer back to what he does best: winning tournaments Keystone

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer has finally defeated his nemesis on clay, Rafael Nadal, ending the Spaniard's record winning streak of 81 matches on the surface.

The 2-6, 6-2, 6-0 win at the Hamburg Masters tournament ends a period of doubt for Federer, which saw him go four straight tournaments without a title and split from part-time coach Tony Roche.

Nadal, ranked number two in the world behind the Swiss, had been unbeaten on the surface since April 2005, a run that included 13 titles.

“If I have to lose against anyone, then he is the man,” Nadal said after the final on Sunday. “I am not sad to lose to the best in the world.”

Federer’s come-from-behind win was his first over Nadal on clay in six matches. The Spaniard still leads 7-4 overall.

“Eighty-one matches is an amazing series,” Federer said . “I have a lot of respect for him.”

The win also ended Federer’s title drought after he failed to win any of his last four events, his worst run since he became the world’s top player in February 2004. Federer won the Australian Open and in Dubai earlier in the year.

“It was an incredible performance from my side,” the Swiss ace added. “I had a great day, it’s nice to be playing well again.”

Hamburg is only the Swiss star’s third win in eight finals against Nadal, after Wimbledon last year and at the Key Biscayne tournament in 2005. It was also his third victory in the German city after 2004 and 2005.

Confidence booster

Federer’s doubts before the tournament were strong enough to make him push ahead with his decision to split last week with his coach, Australia’s Tony Roche, after a shock defeat in the third round of the Rome Masters.

The victory over the man who has dominated him on clay before will boost Federer’s confidence one week ahead of the French Open, the second major of the year and the only grand slam event Federer has not carried off. Nadal won at Roland Garros the last two years.

“I congratulate Roger and wish him good luck at the French Open,” Nadal said.

At the start of the match, it looked like the Spaniard would extend his streak easily. He raced through the first set, with Federer uncharacteristically making too many errors and having trouble with his serve.

But the match turned completely when Federer broke serve for a 2-1 lead in the second. The Swiss played patiently, stopped making so many errors and his serve returned.

Nadal, on the other hand, began to struggle with his shots and even his trademark forehand began to frequently go long or wide.

Federer took full advantage and won a set at love against Nadal for the second time since beating him in the final of last year’s Wimbledon.

The Swiss won 76 per cent of his first-serve points, compared to Nadal’s 52 per cent. Federer also had more winners, 31 to 20.

Federer earned €340,000 (SFr564,000) for his win, Nadal half of that.

swissinfo with agencies

In brief

Federer has yet to equal Pete Sampras’s record of 14 grand slam titles – he has ten – the Swiss has many other records under his belt.

This includes the highest number of ranking points at the end of the year – 8,370 in 2006 – and the most prize money in one season $8,343,885 (SFr10,135,000), also in 2006.

Earlier this year Federer beat the record for the longest unbroken reign as world number one, overtaking Jimmy Connors’ 30-year-old milestone of 160 weeks. Federer has been in pole position since February 2, 2004.

In April Federer became the first living person to be honoured with a special stamp by the Swiss Post.