Roger Federer finally defeats Rafael Nadal again to secure seventh Basel title in two-hour thriller
Swiss secures first win over great Spanisgh rival in three and a half years
Roger Federer rated his 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 win over Rafael Nadal as the best of his Swiss Indoors career after claiming a seventh title at his home event on Sunday.
The 34-year-old Swiss took special pride in the two-hour victory after last beating Nadal three and a half years ago.
After all the matches and big finals we’ve played over the years, to have a final here in Basel was amazing for the crowd and for me personally
He improved to 11-23 in the series which defined men’s tennis for a decade.
“This was my best victory in Basel, considering everything I’ve done throughout my career here,” said Federer, playing in a record tenth consecutive trophy match at his local venue, where he began as a ballboy two decades ago.
“It was a big match for me, probably more than for him.
“After all the matches and big finals we’ve played over the years, to have a final here in Basel was amazing for the crowd and for me personally. To come through and win was very special.