Roger Federer Finds Hope As He Hands Rafael Nadal a Defeat on Clay
Rafael Nadal's defeat by Roger Federer in the final of the Madrid Masters has provided motivation for clay-court specialists
Rafael Nadal, the world No1, will remain the overwhelming favourite to win his fifth successive French Open title when the tournament begins at Roland Garros in six days' time, but his 6–4, 6–4 defeat by Roger Federer in the Madrid Masters final will have given the Swiss some hope that he could yet win the one grand slam title to elude him. Federer served superbly and critically held his nerve at key moments to break a run of five successive defeats against the Spaniard.
It was only the second time he had beaten Nadal on clay and, as in Hamburg two years ago, there were extenuating circumstances. In Germany Nadal had been exhausted and on this occasion the final came on the back of an astonishing 3–6, 7–6, 7–6 semi-final win over Serbia's Novak Djokovic that lasted more than four hours, during which Nadal saved three match points.
Nevertheless Federer seized the opportunity, a victory that may ultimately have a greater resonance at Wimbledon than at Roland Garros. His serve, something he has struggled with since injuring his back last year, pinned Nadal back, while the forehand of the 13-times grand slam champion was also something close to its former coruscating best.
Without doubt Nadal was a little weary; even so he had two break points as Federer served for the title at 5-4. At the Australian Open, Federer had been unable to close out any small advantage. This time he succeeded, thereby bringing to an end a run of 11 successive defeats against the others in the top four, including Andy Murray (4) and Djokovic (2).
This loss ended Nadal's run of 33 successive wins on clay, though he has never lost a match at the French Open. There were moments in Rome, the previous Masters series, when he appeared a little more vulnerable than usual, notably against the much-improved Djokovic again, though even so he was expected to become the first player in the modern era to win all three major clay tournaments prior to the French Open.
This was Federer's first title of the year, his 58th in all, and his 15th Masters, putting him level again with Nadal.
His delight was obvious for all to see, though the spectators at Madrid's Magic Box, being used for the first time, must have believed it was some sort of grand illusion. This was not the Nadal they know and love.
It was only the second time he had beaten Nadal on clay and, as in Hamburg two years ago, there were extenuating circumstances. In Germany Nadal had been exhausted and on this occasion the final came on the back of an astonishing 3–6, 7–6, 7–6 semi-final win over Serbia's Novak Djokovic that lasted more than four hours, during which Nadal saved three match points.
Nevertheless Federer seized the opportunity, a victory that may ultimately have a greater resonance at Wimbledon than at Roland Garros. His serve, something he has struggled with since injuring his back last year, pinned Nadal back, while the forehand of the 13-times grand slam champion was also something close to its former coruscating best.
Without doubt Nadal was a little weary; even so he had two break points as Federer served for the title at 5-4. At the Australian Open, Federer had been unable to close out any small advantage. This time he succeeded, thereby bringing to an end a run of 11 successive defeats against the others in the top four, including Andy Murray (4) and Djokovic (2).
This loss ended Nadal's run of 33 successive wins on clay, though he has never lost a match at the French Open. There were moments in Rome, the previous Masters series, when he appeared a little more vulnerable than usual, notably against the much-improved Djokovic again, though even so he was expected to become the first player in the modern era to win all three major clay tournaments prior to the French Open.
This was Federer's first title of the year, his 58th in all, and his 15th Masters, putting him level again with Nadal.
His delight was obvious for all to see, though the spectators at Madrid's Magic Box, being used for the first time, must have believed it was some sort of grand illusion. This was not the Nadal they know and love.
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