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. Federer’s come-from-behind win was his first over Nadal on clay in six matches.
“Eighty-one matches is an amazing series,” Federer said after the final on Sunday. “I have a lot of respect for him.”
The win ended Federer’s title drought after he failed to win a title in 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.
Federer’s doubts 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 to Italian wild card Filippo Volandri in the third round of the Rome Masters.
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.
Federer deserved to win that match. You could see how setermined he was right throughout. Hopefully he will replicate his performance at the French Open and not become another Samprass.
As for Nadal, well that streak was simply amazing.
that was one awesome streak and at least it ended with the world no.1 breaking it! But the way Nadal is playing at the French, I dont think this is the year Federer is taking it. And the thing is, even if he never wins the french open it doesnt take away anything from the greatness of his game. Just like Sampras. Winning the french or not won't define his whole career.
I'm rooting for Nadal in the final though. He's simply too good on the clay right now.