Roger Federer denied Rafael Nadal a first Shanghai Masters title as he powered his way to a straight-sets victory in Sunday’s final.
The Swiss player beat our champ for a fourth time this season and fifth in succession, needing three breaks of serve and 82 minutes to claim his 94th career title thanks to a 6-4, 6-3 victory.
Rafa didn’t move well and we just hope his knee is not bothering him too much.
After the match, Rafa said:
I want to congratulate Roger for a great year. Today you played a fantastic match.
This year for me has been my most successful year in China. It’s been a great two weeks, I feel very happy for what has happened for me.
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the runner-up trophy after the Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 8 of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Yifan Ding/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain enters the court for the Men’s Single Final against Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain enters the court for the Men’s Single Final against Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain enters the tennis court during the Men’s singles final mach against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain enters the tennis court during the Men’s singles final mach against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in the Men’s Single Final against Roger Federer of Switzerland on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Roger Federer of Switzerland (L) is congratulated by Rafael Nadal of Spain after their men’s singles final match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai on October 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Chandan KHANNA (Photo credit should read CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/Getty Images)
Tennis – Shanghai Masters tennis tournament – Men’s Singles Finals – Shanghai, China – October 15, 2017 – Winner Roger Federer of Switzerland and Rafael Nadal of Spain after the match. REUTERS/Aly Song
SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the award ceremony after losing his Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the award ceremony after losing his Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with runner-up trophy during the award ceremony after losing his Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 8 of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Yifan Ding/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the award ceremony after losing his Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain speak during the award ceremony after losing his Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts with runner-up trophy during the award ceremony after losing his Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 8 of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Yifan Ding/Getty Images)
Roger Federer of Switzerland with Rafael Nadal of Spain pose with their trophy after the Men’s singles final mach on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Roger Federer of Switzerland with Rafael Nadal of Spain pose with their trophy after the Men’s singles final mach on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Roger Federer of Switzerland with Rafael Nadal of Spain pose with their trophy after the Men’s singles final mach on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Winner Roger Federer of Switzerland (L) and second-placed Rafael Nadal of Spain react as they hold their trophies after the men’s singles final match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai on October 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Nicolas ASFOURI (Photo credit should read NICOLAS ASFOURI/AFP/Getty Images)
Roger Federer of Switzerland with Rafael Nadal of Spain pose with their trophy after the Men’s singles final mach on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Roger Federer of Switzerland talk with Rafael Nadal of Spain during the award ceremony after the Men’s singles final mach on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain with the runner-up trophy after the Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
I still believe in you, Rafael! You are the best ambassador of tennis in my opinion. Your sportsmanlike conduct is unparalleled. You are a hero to a lot of people including me. You are truly worth emulating. I hope you stay healthy in many season to come. Vamos Rafa!
I am so sorry Rafa’s fans. You should only talk about Rafa’s performance and not trash out the players that play with Rafa and won. You are not doing anything good to Rafa and you. don’t know about the schedules of the other people.
Rafa should rest, but he likes to be in every single match. I am Rafa’s fan but this the truth. If he is tired, he should take some time off like some other players. If you trash me out, I will do the same.
I don’t know what is going on with Roger, Rafa looked really slow and rushed, which is strange considering how he has been playing recently. He only won something like 8 points overall on Rogers serve and struggled with it at the other matches this year like at IW etc. Roger isn’t troubled with Rafa playing to his backhand on hard court. Roger knows and is ready for him playing and serving to his backhand and is really playing aggressive, trying to shorten the points. Roger was clever not playing the clay season, as that would have given Rafa the confidence going forward which he is now lacking when playing Roger. Needs to re think his game plan. Sure he will solve the problem eventually. Good luck.
No. No. No! That was a bad match for Rafa! True, he won the US open, but Djokavich, Murray and Wawrinka were all injured and Del Potro took care of Federer! Something needs to change. Roger (psycho) studied Rafa’s game very closely and figured out with his coach the way to beat Rafa. Plain and simple. Federer changed his game and Rafa didn’t.
1. Roger started learning how to serve and volley.
2. He employed technology by designing a new tennis racquet.
3. He improved his backhand shot, where Rafa used to get most of his major points.
In return, Rafa only improved his serve. 3 improvements beat 1 improvement, no?
I’m the biggest fan of Rafa but I’m worried about the future (excluding clay court matches).
Dear Rafa,
You can’t keep doing the same things and expect things to change!!!! Carlos doesn’t travel with you often. Uncle Tony is done. Time to add a new coach to your team who could help developing new strategy just like Federer. This new addition could be a Spaniard or someone outside Spain. You need the best of the best to stay on top. It’s not gonna be easy from hereon.
Vamos Rafa!
Totally agree with you
Totally agree with you .And I was saying this since his…breakdown after AO final he lost against Stan. He needs new ideas,New coach and psychologist full time.But his team is very conservative. Staying in your comfort zone will bring you more serious disapontments, Rafa.
Dear Rafa. I think, you should get rid of Uncle Tony because he is the PAST. You are a very smart and an excellent tennis player, but your uncle is so behind in everything. Also, I don’t know how Carlos will be helping you out. YOU NEED NEW BLOOD MY DEAR.
THE BEST TO YOU RAFA. WE LOVE YOU IN MEXICO.
AGREE
New blood…well said.
You did your best Rafa and came to the match VERY tired against roger who has had plenty of rest.
Rest now and Relax.
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
How do you know Roger had time to relax when he played the day before. Stop being so negative about some other players. I had it with you all.
YOU Rafa’s fans. How do you know Roger rest,
Rafa if you are tired because you are, don’t play in so many places because I know your fans love you, but it is not fair the nasty comments to the other players from your fans.
Take a break.
Congratulations Roger. You played very good. I put my alarm at 3.30am to see the Match. You played very well. Keep winning and I send you my best wishes from México. Hope to see you play
life.
Rafa is ok .you have plaging to many matches .this day is not your day vamossssssssssssssssssssss champ.you need to rest love your fans 🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍🇺🇸❤️
You should rest and play less matches. I saw you live in CVG in August and you lost on the 3rd round. Are you going to blame, WHO………………I SAW THAT.
Roger played great reminding of us he is a great champion as a nadal fan he cannot win all the time
He must change his tactics playing Roger and Novak….to be successful against this 2. Otherwise they will continue to be in his head,simply because he doesn’t have a smart answer and he will continue losing to them and missing important titles from his resume. Furthermore that’s will affect his confidence overall and the vicious circle begins.He must get out of his comfort zone. And please, team Nadal make smarter schedule for your man.We want to see him healthy and happy winning for much more years to come.Vamos.
H2H Rafa still the winner! I’m sad today but I know if Roger had been playing as much Tennis and was #1, which he hasn’t and is not, then Rafa would have beaten him today. My champion, on and off the court, is still #1 in the world and RF is #2. ❤️👏🏻💪Rafa!
Please give me a break. He lost and don’t blame Roger for playing less.
Rafa wants to be everywhere and this is the price he is paying. Think with your head.
Congratulations on giving us Great tennis. But Rafa you need to rest and not overdue. I agree with Diane K above..A non fatigued Rafa can beat a non fatigued Roger. I believe the results would have been different today if Rafa hadn’t been playing so much grueling tennis. Love, and God bless you Rafa. Be healthy. Love, Marylynn
Hi Marylynn,
Hope you are well! I was just curious about this stat:: Rafa played 70 matches 2017 and Roger played 43 matches 2017. All in all I am always thrilled to be a Rafa fan!
I know that we all want Rafa to win every time, but I thought today was going to be bad right from the start. Rafa just did not look like his usual self. He lacked energy. Maybe he knew the conditions favored Roger, starting with the closed roof. Roger said in his presser that Rafa had been playing too much lately. I do worry that Roger is in Rafa’s head like Novak was, but don’t forget Roger passed on the clay season because he knew he could not beat Rafa there. We all know that indoor HC are not Rafa’s strength. I hope that Rafa can do enough to retain his number one ranking. Roger will have to defend all of these points next year when he is 37. Rafa will always be 5 years younger. I just hope he stays healthy and happy!!!
this mental block…it happened with novak and now with Roger.
i think there should be some serious emphasis given to his service games…add more miles and be consistent..thats the key. your overall game is awesome.
also while returning service…stand a bit closer…change tactics please.
nole n roger know your game in and out…its some strategy…you also do some analysis and get some perspective so that we(fans) dont see you losing.
vamos RAFA
Rafa must learn to stand on the baseline and simply block the serves – like all other top players do. This business of returning from far is OK only as a change up – not as a default mode. Unless Rafa learns this skill, he can always lose to an attacking player on hard courts, grass, and indoor courts! If he learns this skill, it could make a difference to his legacy!
hope your leg gets better soon maybe go back to mallorca for a rest vamos rafa