New Delhi: World number one Roger Federer has finally broken his clay court jinx against Rafael Nadal to win the Hamburg Masters. This is Federer's first win against his Spanish nemesis on his least favourite surface.
The scoreline read 6-2 in Nadal's favour minutes into the Hamburg Masters finals but little did anyone expect the turnaround that followed.
Nadal had his way with Fedex's backhand but failed to carry the rhythm into the 2nd set. The 3 time Hamburg Masters winner came back strongly into the match.
The rallies were longer and the aces were flowing out of the Swiss number 1's racket.
An appreciative Goran Ivanisevic re-lived his countless comebacks from defeat as Fedex outslugged Rafa to take the second set 6-2.
But it was the third set that truly displayed Roger Federer's class. He didn't let his Spanish opponent get on top of him at any point in the match. Steamrolling away to lead the decider 5-0. Nadal never looked like he would be able to pull this one off as the Swiss master cantered home 6-0.
Federer's fist pumping told the whole story -- relief, joy, ecstacy. His 4th Hamburg Masters title brought all of that, not only ending Nadal's 81-match-winning record streak on clay but also putting a stop to his worst form ever, since he became number 1 in 2004.
"To beat or crack that streak of Nadal was tough task so I am very happy. It's me, I have played excellent and I am looking forward to the French Open now," said Federer.
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