Shanghai Masters: Roger Federer defeats Rafael Nadal in straight sets to take the title
Federer is the only man who can still stop Nadal ending the year as number one.
Roger Federer out classed Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-3 to win the Shanghai Master title on Sunday.
The Swiss maestro, who has not lost to Nadal once this season maintained the record in a match that lasted one hour and 12 minutes. FedEx, as he is called by fans, beat Nadal in the finals of the Australian Open and Miami Masters and in the last 16 at Indian Wells earlier this year.
The Swiss world number two never looked likely of losing to his long-time rival, firing 10 aces as he cruised to victory.
Federer drew the first blood, breaking Nadal in the very first game as the Spaniard looked a little unsettled in the opening moments. Federer on the other hand was assured and decisive in his service and never even let Nadal smell a chance of a break.
Nadal maintained his serve in the first set after that but eventually Federer took the set 6-4.
In the second set, Nadal was more focussed and both players protected their serves in the first four games.
After deuce in the fifth game, Federer took a point to get the advantage but Nadal came back to make it 40-40 again. However, Federer kept the pressure and earned two straight points to break Nadal for the second time in the game.
Leading 3-5 in the second set, Federer went on attack mode getting to 40-0 on Nadal's serve. Nadal earned back a point but then hit the net on the next to give the Swiss the victory.