Roger Federer defeated long time rival and nemesis Rafael Nadal 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 to win his 7th Swiss Indoor title in Basel.
The 34 year old Swiss got off to a strong start behind an agressive game plan that saw him break Nadal twice, the second time to love.
It was the first time the two had met since the 2013 Australian Open and Nadal reminded his old foe of the strangehold he holds on the rivalry by breaking Federer at 6-5 and then serving out the set.
With the match delicately poised at 3-3, the Spaniard blinked first during a powerful baseline rally that drew an error, allowing Federer to break.
With the partisan crowd firmly behind him, Federer retained his composure and served the match out to take his 88th career title.
Following the victory, Federer reclaims the #2 position in the ATP World Rankings and hailed the match as his “Best victory in Baselâ€.
Photo: Marianne Bevis
