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Roger Federer defeated Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-4 to capture the Madrid Open title and end Nadal’s match winning streak on clay at 33. It was Federer's 58th title of his career and first of the season.
The win for Federer was just his second against Nadal in 11 attempts on clay!He now stands 7-13 overall against Nadal.
"I'm sorry to have beaten a Spaniard on your court, I'm sorry to spoil the party," Federer told Spain's former great and tournament director Manolo Santana for whom the showcase court at the new Caja Magica is named.
"Rafa, you have had a great run on clay again," he added.
Nadal last lost on clay in Rome last year and had been unstoppable ever since. He entered play on Sunday with a staggering 150-6 record on the surface since 2005. He was vying for his fourth clay-court title of 2009. The four-time reigning French Open champion recently tallied crowns in Monte-Carlo, Barcelona and Rome.
"I think this (fast clay) favoured Roger today," said Nadal, "He deserved this victory today more. He played well and I wasn't able to be aggressive enough.
"It didn't help that I had to play four hours yesterday. But even if I hadn't I don't know if I would have been able to stop Roger."
(photo/Juinen/Getty Images, PEDRO ARMESTRE/AFP/Getty Images)
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fedex is back he is best rival to nadal no dobt
fedex really rocksss again ended the winning streak of nadal on clay
he proved tha he is no less wen compared to rafa on clayyy
Fedexxx is rocking again will win more and should wi n more against nadal .
hey man..
federer is back wid a bang n how :)
v love u fed:)
This is great for Fed and for all his fans. It's good to see him play like he used to. Roland Garros will be more interesting now. Rafa, Fed and Nole showed us some really amazing tennis in Madrid. I can't wait for RG to start! :)
Amazing... It makes me more confident in Roland Garros, though I know it's still a mission impossible :)