Roger Federer has become the oldest man in history to win the Miami Open after overcoming Spain’s Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4, in the final.
The 37th meeting of the two tennis icons sent Miami into a frenzy with the Tennis Center at Crandon Park nearing maximum capacity. The occasion was an opportunity for the seemingly ageless Federer to clinch his third victory over the Spaniard is as many months for the first time in his career. Meanwhile, Nadal was a win away from clinching a title that has eluded him throughout his entire career. It was the mouth-watering clash that many dreamt of and an outcome that Federer would have never imagined six months ago.
“For me the dream continues. It’s been a fabulous couple of weeks here in Miami. Indian Wells was beautiful as well, but the atmosphere here in Key Biscayne is very special.” Said Federer, who hit a total of 29 winners in the match.
“It really is a beautiful stop on the tour and I hope it’s going to be a successful tournament for years to come.” He added.
Resuming their rivalry at the place where it began 13 years ago, both players were able to illustrate their superiority in the match with some supreme shot-making. As the Miami humidity rose to 75%, making the balls bounce lower, chances came and went for both men throughout the opening set.
Federer’s tactic of pushing his rival around the court was matched by Nadal’s stern forehand. Seven break-point chances came and went (three for Nadal and four for Federer) before a breakthrough occurred in the eighth game. Enduring another tightly contested game, a blistering Federer forehand return rewarded him another chance to break. Finally, the 18-time grand slam champion seized his opportunity as Nadal failed to return a Federer shot. Fighting for the 5-3 lead, the closeness between the two eroded. Serving for the opening set, Federer strolled to the lead with the help of a serve out wide.
The pendulum swings @rogerfederer‘s way!#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/Xtp3Gmh6SB
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 2 April 2017
On the verge of the sunshine double, there was an inevitable burst of excitement in the Federer camp. Still, it was a far from certain outcome given who he was playing. Once again the two men were inseparable due to the resilience in their service games. Federer’s start to set two saw him win 12 consecutive points on his serve as Nadal claimed 12 out of 15 on his.
Twice Federer had a break point to lead by a set and 4-3 before he was pegged back by a highly animated Nadal. Despite the heavy investments of the Spaniard, it failed to derail the inevitability of Federer’s win. A stroke of luck thanks to a dead net cord aided the Swiss to hit a winning lob on route to a break point chance for 5-4. It was a task he passed with flying colours after a backhand down the line force his rival to produce an unforced error. The luck of the tennis gods continued to be on the side of the 35-year-old after a mishit landed in, rewarding him championship point. Serving for ATP title No.91, Federer sealed victory with a swift serve down the line that his opponent returned out.
The moment you seal your 26th @ATPWorldTour Masters 1000 title.#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/qfKivX19kv
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 2 April 2017
Praise for Nadal
Extending his winning streak against Nadal to four, Federer spoke of the nostalgia surrounding their latest encounter. It was a third round meeting in the 2004 tournament that started one of the greatest rivalries the sport has ever seen.
“I’m happy we’re both here together. I enjoy playing against you, this is where it all started for us in 2004 when you were a little boy and grew into a big man, A strong man. We had some epic matches on the years, which I didn’t always enjoy, but mostly we had some great battles over the years.” Federer said in a tribute to Nadal.
Federer has now won three out of the four tournaments he has played this year. At the start to the season he returned to the tour after a six-month hiatus due to a knee injury. Since then he has won his 18th major title at the Australian Open, 90th ATP title in Indian Wells and sealed the sunshine double in Miami.
“It’s an amazing start to the season. I think it’s one of the best comeback on the tour after a long injury.” Runner-up Nadal said about the Swiss players resurgence.
Minimal plans for the clay
Following his Miami win, the 35-year-old provided an update about his intentions for the clay swing of the tour. In recent weeks, speculation has mounted about how many tournaments he will play prior to the French Open.
“I probably won’t play any clay court event except the French (Open). I need a rest. My body needs healing.” He told ESPN’s Brad Gilbert.
Out of Federer’s 91 titles, 11 of those have occurred on the clay. His last title on the surface occurred at the 2015 Istanbul Open in Turkey.
This year’s French Open will start on May 29th.
