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Associated Press

Weary from three months of winning, Roger Federer hit one last shot on Sunday, whacking a celebratory forehand into the stands to punctuate his victory over Rafael Nadal in the Miami Open final.
Now comes a well-deserved two-month break.
“I’m not 24 anymore,” Federer said. “I need a rest. My body needs healing.”
He’s not complaining. At 35, Federer is playing some of the best tennis of his career – so good he’s even dominating his long-time nemesis. Federer beat Nadal for the third time this year, 6-3, 6-4, to become the oldest men’s champion in the 33-year history of the tournament.


Federer also defeated Nadal in the Australian Open final in January, and two weeks ago en route to the Indian Wells title. He’s the first three-time champion this year on the men’s tour – and ready for a break.
The father of four has an exhibition scheduled next week, but plans to skip the bulk of the clay court season before returning for the French Open in late May.
“I want to stay healthy,” Federer said. “When I’m healthy and feeling good, I can produce tennis like this. If I’m not feeling this good, there’s no chance I’ll be in finals competing with Rafa.”
Federer said he arrived at Key Biscayne with low expectations, given his heavy workload of late, and felt tired in the final. Humid weather didn’t help.
He won anyway.
“On the big points I was just maybe a little bit better,” Federer said. “It was more of a fight mode I was in today trying to stay afloat. It has been a draining week.”
The victory turned back the clock, as Federer has done so often of late. He also won Key Biscayne in 2005 and 2006.
Nadal fell to 0-5 in Key Biscayne finals, including in 2005 against Federer. He was also runner-up in 2008, 2011 and 2014.
“It’s disappointing for me that I am trying during all my career,” Nadal told the crowd with a smile during the trophy ceremony. “Every three years I am in this position, but always with the smaller trophy.”
Roger Federer thinks young to make his own Miami Open luck in thrilling win over Tomas Berdych
Said Federer to his rival: “I truly believe you are going to still win this tournament. You’re too good not to.”
Both players agreed the match was closer than the score and decided by a handful of points.
“I got a few important ones,” Federer said. “I played the right way, like I have so often done this year, just very committed, and it paid off at the very end.”
Federer erased all four break points he faced, and while he failed to take advantage of five early break-point chances himself, he broke in the next to last game of both sets.
Serving for the championship at 5-4, Federer hit his only double-fault on the first point but quickly regrouped. The next point was the longest of the match, and Federer ended the 19-shot rally with a forehand winner in the corner.
When Nadal sailed a return long on the final point, Federer took the ball on a bounce behind the baseline and sent it into the stands, then waved both hands in jubilation. The sell-out crowd was evenly divided in its support but roared for the popular champion.
Roger Federer heads into the ‘unknown’ with early Rafael Nadal showdown at Indian Wells
Federer saved two match points in his quarter-final win against Tomas Berdych, and earned a three-tiebreaker win in the semi-finals against Nick Kyrgios. He didn’t face six-time champion Novak Djokovic or two-time time champion Andy Murray, who missed the tournament because of elbow injuries.
Even so, Federer’s recent run is remarkable. He has the best record on men’s tour this year at 19-1, including 7-0 against players ranked in the top 10, and has won 11 matches in a row. His best start since 2006 comes after he missed the final six months of last year with a left knee injury.
“Amazing start to the season,” Nadal said. “One of the best comebacks ever on the tour.”
Federer’s vast repertoire was on display throughout the tournament. Against Nadal he won all six points where he played serve and volley, and won six other points at the net. He served well and held at love three times in a row. He played terrific defence, robbing Nadal’s groundstrokes of their power, and finished with 30 winners to only 17 unforced errors.
“For me,” Federer said, “the dream continues.”


Roger Federer’s incredible start to the ATP season continues with a straight sets win over Rafa Nadal in Miami Open final

Switzerland’s Roger Federer holds the winner’s trophy after defeating Rafael Nadal in the final of the Miami Open. Photo: AFP

KEY BISCAYNE, FL - APRIL 02: Roger Federer of Switzerland looks on in during the final match against Rafael Nadal of Spain (not pictured) on day 14 of the Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on April 2, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. Rob Foldy/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

KEY BISCAYNE, FL - APRIL 02: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action in the final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland (not pictured) on day 14 of the Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on April 2, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. Rob Foldy/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

KEY BISCAYNE, FL - APRIL 02: Roger Federer of Switzerland (left) and Rafael Nadal of Spain (right) shake hands after Federer defeated Nadal in the men's final match on day 14 of the Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on April 2, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. Rob Foldy/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

How Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal gave Father Time the slip Down Under

Roger Federer kisses the Australian Open trophy after his victory over Rafael Nadal. Photo: Xinhua

In this Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 photo, United States' Serena Williams, left, embraces her sister, Venus, as she celebrates after winning the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, File)

Switzerland's Roger Federer holds his Australian Open trophy as he is welcomed by fans upon his arrival at Zurich airport January 31, 2017. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

Roger Federer wins his 18th grand slam singles title against Rafael Nadal on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017 at the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. (Corinne Dubreuil/Abaca Press/TNS)

Roger Federer (R) poses with the Australian Open winner's trophy, alongside runner-up Rafael Nadal, after their final in Melbourne on Jan. 29, 2017. Federer won 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 for a record-extending 18th Grand Slam title. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sport

Tennis

Swiss maestro becomes the first three-time champion on the ATP tour this season


Roger Federer’s incredible start to the ATP season continues with a straight sets win over Rafa Nadal in Miami Open final

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Swiss maestro becomes the first three-time champion on the ATP tour this season

Swiss maestro becomes the first three-time champion on the ATP tour this season