TENNIS NEWS - 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 No 1 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.
No 2 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).
"The serve only got better and I saved the best for last – I played some great matches, against (Juan Martin) del Potro in sets two and three and now these two sets here today.
"In a way not surprising because I felt good all week... I was ready."
Federer, fondly known as "Cow" in China for his laid-back personality, started the better in grabbing the break and then rattled through his own service game for 2-0.
