Federer beats Nadal to win Swiss Indoors

The clash of former world number ones didn't disappoint. And the partisans left contented as Roger Federer won his seventh title at the Swiss Indoors tournament. Rafael Nadal provided the Swiss maestro with a thorough examination.

Roger Federer (left) beat Rafael Nadal for the first time in six matches. Reuters/Arnd Wiegmann

Federer's victory on home soil furnished him with the 88th title of his illustrious career. It was hard work though against his old nemesis.

The 34-year-old Swiss edged past the Spaniard 6-3 5-7 6-3 in 122 minutes.

Playing at the tournament where he was a ball boy 20 years ago, Federer breezed through the first set by breaking Nadal twice. He was barely ruffled in the second set until he botched a cross court forehand at 30-all when serving at 5-5. That brought up a break point for Nadal who forced another error from the local hero.

Nadal served out the set confidently. A decider had hardly seemed likely 15 minutes earlier. But with Nadal starting to attack the Federer backhand with heavy top spin, it appeared the partisans in the packed St Jakobshalle might not obtain the desired outcome.

However,  while serving at 3-4 down, Nadal finally cracked. In the next game, Federer's 12th ace of the match brought up match point and though Nadal saved that, Federer got his rewards second time around.

It was Nadal's fourth visit to Basel for the tournament but the first time he had played Federer in the final.

Nadal has struggled with injuries and poor form this season but at the prize-giving ceremony he told the crowds: "It's been an important week for me in view of my season so far." 

Thanking them for the encouragement during the week, he added: "Every time I've played I've had lots of support." And showing comic timing as sweet as some of his shots, he jested: "A little bit less today - but I understand. Many thanks for making me feel special this week."

Federer added: "It has been special for us to have you here in my home town."

Away from the crowd embracing bonhomie, Nadal will be pleased that his renowned resilience appears to be resurfacing. Last month he reached the final of the China Open as well as the last four of the Shanghai Masters.

Federer too will be happy with the statistics. He hit 44 winners to just 32 unforced errors to give him only his 11th win over Nadal in 34 meetings. The triumph also ended a series of of five successive reversals. 

“It was a very special day,” Federer told reporters later. “Probably it was my best victory here in Basel.”

Federer and Nadal last met in the Australian Open semi-finals nearly two years ago and played their last final in Rome in 2013.

"I had a good game plan," Federer reflected. "Everything worked out. There were no real surprises there, I was match-ready. This one was played at high quality, it was entertaining and exciting for both of us."