Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal to clinch third Miami Open title

Now comes a well-deserved two-month break.

“It’s disappointing that every time in my career I have stood here I get the smaller trophy”, he said. “I need a rest”.

Federer beat Nadal in an Australian Open final thriller in January to claim an 18th Grand Slam title.

“My biggest rival”, Federer said.

“I had so many chances. when you don’t convert opportunities you’re in trouble, and that’s what happened”, he said.

“It was a very intense first set”, Federer said. Humid, 85-degree weather didn’t help.

Nadal likely spent the rest of the day on the couch watching his potential final opponents battle for more than three hours. “I served well (today). It has been a draining week”. Federer promptly delivered an unreturnable serve at 7-6 to clinch victory.

But at 4-4, a Federer backhand just crossed the net after hitting the tape, forcing Nadal to race forward and desperately flick the ball back, leaving his court exposed for the 18-time Grand Slam victor to deliver a telling lob. He was also runner-up in 2008, 2011 and 2014. I thought the crowd would’ve enjoyed watching it, people at home would’ve enjoyed watching it.

“It’s great winning this way, especially of course I remember the loss against him few years ago”, Federer told reporters. “You’re too good not to”.

Both players have played some inspired tennis throughout the week, so it’s tough to say who the favorite should be going in. “I am very happy for you”.

“It just helps to add something important for me and that’s it”, Nadal said.

Federer rallied from a break down in the opening set, breaking for 5-all on a Kyrgios double-fault then earning a set point with Kyrgios serving at 5-6. At that point the match was done, Federer won the next two points and moved on to the championship. Now he’s in the final Sunday against Rafael Nadal, 13 years after their first career encounter, also at Key Biscayne. His route to the title was made easier by the absences of six-time champion Novak Djokovic and two-time time champion Andy Murray, both sidelined by elbow injuries.

Even so, Federer’s recent run is remarkable. I’m thrilled for him that he came back as well as he did after the comeback and the struggles that he had a year ago. “One of the best comebacks ever on the tour”.

Federer has won the Roland Garros tournament once in 2009. This is the first time that he has won four matches in a row against the Spaniard. He finished with 38 unforced errors, compared with 12 for Nadal.

“The dream continues”, he said after the win.