Federer trounces Nadal for Shanghai title

AFP, SHANGHAI: Roger Federer said he “saved the best for last” after he beat great rival Rafael Nadal for the fifth time in succession to win the Shanghai Masters on Sunday.

The surprisingly one-sided 6-4, 6-3 victory over the world number one from Spain brought a 94th title for the Swiss legend, drawing him level with the great Ivan Lendl.

Nadal, who admitted afterwards that he had been defeated by the better man on the night, was ahead in their overall head-to-head record going into the clash -- 23 wins to Federer's 14.

But this time he was up against it almost right away.

Number two Federer put the Spaniard under the cosh in breaking him in the first game, to roars of approval from the majority inside the arena.

Another break to 36-year-old Federer in the fifth game of the second set put him in reach of a second Shanghai Masters crown -- and a sixth title in 2017.

Federer, who has been managing his schedule to wring the best out of his ageing body, said he had improved as the week went on and felt he hit peak form just when it mattered.

“It's been a tough week, five straight matches is always a test and a challenge for anybody's body, especially with the pressure rising,” he said.

“I felt I was playing well all week and that settled my nerves because I was returning well from the match here against (Diego) Schwartzman (in his opener).

Federer trounces Nadal for Shanghai title

AFP, SHANGHAI: Roger Federer said he saved the best for last after he beat great rival Rafael Nadal for the fifth time in succession to win the Shanghai Masters on Sunday. The surprisingly one-sided 6-4, 6-3 victory over the world number one from Spain brought a 94th title for the Swiss legend, drawing him level with the great Ivan Lendl. Nadal, who admitted afterwards that he had been defeated by the better man on the night, was ahead in their overall head-to-head record going into the clash -- 23 wins to Federers 14. But this time he was up against it almost right away. Number two Federer put the Spaniard under the cosh in breaking him in the first game, to roars of approval from the majority inside the arena. Another break to 36-year-old Federer in the fifth game of the second set put him in reach of a second Shanghai Masters crown -- and a sixth title in 2017. Federer, who has been managing his schedule to wring the best out of his ageing body, said he had improved as the week went on and felt he hit peak form just when it mattered. Its been a tough week, five straight matches is always a test and a challenge for anybodys body, especially with the pressure rising, he said. I felt I was playing well all week and that settled my nerves because I was returning well from the match here against (Diego) Schwartzman (in his opener).