New Delhi: Finally, Roger Federer has triumphed over the King of clay Rafael Nadal on his turf.
The World No. 1 clinched the Hamburg Masters beating Nadal in three sets. This is Federer's first win over Nadal in clay, after suffering as many as five defeats.
Nadal won the first set 6-2, but that was the only part of the match the Spaniard dominated.
The second set went Fedex's way 6-2. But Federer upped his game a few notches to stamp complete authority, taking away the decider without losing a game, handing the World No. 1 his fourth Hamburg Masters title.
Federer also brought an end to Rafael Nadal's 81-match winning streak on clay, a record justifying the Spaniard's domination on the surface.
Nadal had won 13 consecutive clay-court titles, including the last two French Opens, during a winning run dating back to April 2005.
The world number one, who had never before beaten the Spaniard on his favourite surface, looked to be in line for his usual humbling, only to storm through the final set to seal his first title in five tournaments, ending his worst slump since he became number one in February 2004.
"If I had to lose to anyone, Roger is the man," Nadal said out on court. "I congratulate him on a great tournament and wish him luck for the French."
But the humble Swiss had some of his own words to explain the duo's camaraderie. "Winning 81 matches is an amazing streak," Federer said of his opponent. "I have a lot of respect for him."
(With inputs from Reuters)
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