Federer wins ATP World Tour Finals crown
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
LONDON, Nov 29 (AFP): Roger Federer won the ATP World Tour Finals for the fifth time after beating Rafael Nadal 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in Sunday's final at the O2 Arena in London.
Federer takes home a cheque for 1.63 million dollars as well as 1,500 ranking points but, far more importantly, he ended the year by scoring a significant victory over his biggest rival and, in the process, emphasised that he is still as hungry for success as ever.
It was Federer's first triumph in the prestigious end-of-season event since 2007 and his dominant form in the English capital this week suggests Nadal will face a renewed challenge for the sport's top prizes next year.
Nadal has enjoyed the best season of his career over the last 12 months and he shone again this week, but even he had no answer to Federer, the world number two, at his breath-taking best.
Federer is now level with Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras on a joint-record five Tour Finals titles and he said: "I've really enjoyed playing here this week, it's been a wonderful atmosphere once again.
"I haven't spoilt Rafa's vacation! He's had an amazing year, one any player dreams of."
Nadal added: "I want to congratulate Roger. He played unbelievable throughout the whole week. It was a fantastic year for me, probably the most emotional of my career."
Federer takes home a cheque for 1.63 million dollars as well as 1,500 ranking points but, far more importantly, he ended the year by scoring a significant victory over his biggest rival and, in the process, emphasised that he is still as hungry for success as ever.
It was Federer's first triumph in the prestigious end-of-season event since 2007 and his dominant form in the English capital this week suggests Nadal will face a renewed challenge for the sport's top prizes next year.
Nadal has enjoyed the best season of his career over the last 12 months and he shone again this week, but even he had no answer to Federer, the world number two, at his breath-taking best.
Federer is now level with Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras on a joint-record five Tour Finals titles and he said: "I've really enjoyed playing here this week, it's been a wonderful atmosphere once again.
"I haven't spoilt Rafa's vacation! He's had an amazing year, one any player dreams of."
Nadal added: "I want to congratulate Roger. He played unbelievable throughout the whole week. It was a fantastic year for me, probably the most emotional of my career."