Federer wins Miami Masters epic
Roger Federer won his 18th consecutive final on Sunday to become the first
top seed since Pete Sampras in 1994 to win the Miami Masters. The world
number one rallied from two sets to love down to subdue Spaniard Rafael Nadal
2-6 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 6-1 in three hours 40 minutes at Key Biscayne.
Federer was made to work for his fifth title of 2005 in front of 13,221
spectators.
The Swiss extended his record for the season to 32-1 and broke Nadal's
15-match winning streak that included Brazil and Mexico Open titles.
"To dig it out in that final against Nadal when he was playing so well, I'm
absolutely delighted," Federer said afterwards.
"It was extremely close today and I consider myself lucky to get through. He
started so well.
"It was tough to get my rhythm against him but all my praises go to him. He's
a great guy and great player."
ROLLERCOASTER RIDE
For 75 minutes Nadal ruled the roost.
The 18-year-old Mallorcan broke Federer in the first and seventh games to
take the first set in 33 minutes.
Federer rallied briefly in the second set, recovering from a 5-2 deficit to
take Nadal to a second set tie-break.
Nadal, at 18 years and ten months the youngest Miami finalist in the
tournament's 21-year history, held his nerve in the breaker converting his
second set point for 7-4.
Aiming to eclipse Andre Agassi 1990 achievement as the youngest winner here,
Nadal broke Federer for a 4-1 but the world number recovered to win a third
set tie-break seven points to five.
Federer broke his 29th-seeded opponent in the fourth game and maintained the
break cushion to win the fourth set 6-3.
Breaks won in the third and fifth games of the final set ensured Federer the
$533,350 first prize.
It was the second time - Peter Wessels at 2000 U.S. Open and Sargis Sargsian
at 2001 French Open - Federer had come back from two sets down.
NADAL RANKING HIKE
Nadal's run to final ensures he break into the world's Top 20 for the first
time on Monday.
"It was a very equal match. In the end it didn't happen for me," Nadal said.
"I've been playing very well and it gives me loads of confidence for the clay
season. I really hope it's not my last final in Miami."
Eurosport - James Buddell - 03/04/2005
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