Shanghai 2017: The day Federer delivered a masterpiece leaving Nadal without an answer in the final
On October 15, 2017, the Shanghai arena was on fire. Nadal was then ruling the world rankings, Federer was coming back from an unexpected renaissance.
The atmosphere was heavy with meaning: the Swiss had not lost to Nadal for over three years, but no one imagined the intensity to come.
An ultra aggressive Federer
From the first exchanges, Federer imposed a game plan of absolute clarity: take the ball early, suffocate Nadal, refuse the baseline battle.
The backhand, long considered his Achilles' heel against the Spaniard, was exceptional that day. Nadal suffered, retreated, cast incredulous looks toward his team. Federer played fast. Too fast.
A helpless Nadal despite a huge heart
Nadal fought, as always. Clearly hampered (strapped on the right knee), he tried, he hung on. But the Swiss's speed prevented him from setting up his heavy topspin.
Every attempt to open up the court was shut down by a lightning-fast counter. By the end of the first set (6-4), the crowd understood: Federer was playing some of his best tennis.
A final masterpiece: 6-4, 6-3
The second set was a demonstration. Federer broke the rhythm, found impossible angles, sent Nadal into an unusual fog.
In 1h12, Federer delivered one of the greatest performances of his career. His 5th consecutive victory against the Majorcan, all to earn his 94th career title, and his 27th in Masters 1000.
