04 April,2017 08:35 AM IST | | PA Sport
Aged 35 and climbing... Swiss great Roger Federer rises to fourth in latest ATP rankings following his victory over Rafael Nadal in Sunday's Miami Open final; says he couldn't have had a better start to the year
Roger Federer
Miami: Roger Federer lifted his 91st career title at the Miami Open and immediately signalled his intention to take a break. The 35-year-old defeated long-term rival Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday, in the process taking his ATP Masters 1000 tally to 26 tournament victories.
However, after six months out of the game with a knee injury, he will now take time out to recover from a start to 2017 which has already yielded Austrian Open and Indian Wells glory before turning his attention to the French Open.
Federer told ESPN: "I'm not 24 anymore so things have changed in a big way. I probably won't play any clay court events except the French. I need a rest. My body needs healing - you'll probably see me at the French again."
Intense first set
Federer broke Nadal's serve in the eighth game of the first set and again in the ninth of the second to beat him for the third time in as many meetings this year.
Federer said: "I thought (the serve) was totally key because he looked good from the get-go. He was playing big, stepping in, doing all the right things. Maybe a wrong decision by me in that (break point) moment and I think it would turn quickly. It was an intense first set - could have gone either way.
"Second set, we didn't have many chances on return games. Eventually I got a few important ones and played the right way just as I have all year. It's so crucial against a great return player like him to always protect your serve."
Interviewed on court minutes after the match had ended, Federer predicted that Nadal will win in Miami one day. He said: "This is where it all started for us in 2004 when you were a little boy who grew into a big man and strong man. We have had some epic matches over the years which I didn't always enjoy.
Great battles with Rafa
"We have had some great battles over the years and in 2005 when I beat you very luckily here in the final, I also probably told you, 'You are going to win this tournament' and I truly believe you are going to still win this tournament. You are too good not to win this one, so all the best for the coming years, of course.
"For me, the dream continues. It's been a fabulous couple of weeks here in Miami, Indian Wells was beautiful as well. Of course I'd like to thank my team as well. What a start to the year, I can't believe it."
