Roger Federer battled back from two sets
down to win the Nasdaq-100 Open in Miami.
The world number one defeated Rafael Nadal of Spain 2-6 6-7 (4/7) 7-6 (7/5)
6-3 6-1 to keep his winning streak alive but admitted he had been lucky.
"It was extremely close," Federer said. "I consider myself lucky."
Federer extended his overall winning streak to 22 matches and his record
victory streak in ATP finals to 18.
He is 32-1 in 2005 and 48-1 since the start of last year's US Open, and he
became the first top seed to win here since Pete Sampras defeated Andre Agassi
in 1994.
It was the fifth title this year for Federer, and his second straight ATP
Masters Series title, having defended his Pacific Life Open title at Indian
Wells two weeks ago.
Nadal, who had a 15-match winning streak snapped, was aiming for his first ATP
Masters Series title.
The 18-year-old Spaniard had met Federer once previously, posting a 6-3, 6-3
victory in the third round here last year.
"I thought Roger was a little nervous in the beginning and I took full
advantage," Nadal said. "But he is the number one. I happy with my tennis but
not the result."
The top seed held a 5-3, 30-0 love lead in the second set before Nadal won
four straight points for the break.
And in the next game, Nadal fell behind 15-40 but Federer blew two set points
by netting a volley and a forehand, and the Spaniard won the next two points to
even the set at 5-5 before eventually winning the tie-break.
In the third set, Nadal broke for a 3-1 advantage before Federer earned a
break point in the fifth game.
But Federer hit a forehand approach shot long and screamed at himself, and
Nadal won the next two points for a 4-1 cushion.
Federer held, broke Nadal in the seventh game and held again to level the set
at 4-4.
Federer held a break point in the next game but Nadal saved it with a
second-serve ace, then won the game when Federer botched an overhead, causing
the Swiss star to slam his racquet in disgust.
Nadal held a 5-3 lead in the tie-break before Federer won the next four points
to force a fourth set.
Federer broke Nadal in the fourth game of the set and made it stand, and he
won the final five games of the decisive set.
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