Federer downs Nadal in straight sets to win Miami Open
KEY BISCAYNE: Weary from three months of winning, Roger Federer hit one last shot 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 so things have changed in a big way and I probably won’t play any clay court event except the French [Open],” 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 longtime 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 and clinch his 91st career title.
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 broke once in each set for his fourth consecutive victory over Nadal, though the Spaniard still leads their career head-to-head record at 23-14, due entirely to his superiority on clay.
The Swiss improved to 19-1 this year. His only loss was at the hands of Russian Evgeny Donskoy in the second round in Dubai.
The result left Nadal a five-time Miami runner-up, after previous final defeats in 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2014.