Shanghai win keeps Federer’s No.1 hopes alive

Roger Federer kept alive his slim hopes of finishing the year at world No.1 after his victory over Rafael Nadal in the Shanghai Masters final.

The 6-4 6-3 win was his fifth straight against his rival and his fourth of 2017.

“I had no nerves really before the match, which was nice. I was pretty clear about how I wanted to play the match. And then I came out and started off very well. Felt relaxed from then on,” said Federer, who snapped Nadal’s 16-match winning streak.

“I always know that Rafa can come back at any moment if he connects well, picks the right sides, and does the right things.”

It was Federer’s second Shanghai title – giving him his sixth of 2017 – and the 94th ATP title of his career.

Federer trailed the top-ranked Nadal by more than 2,300 points heading into the week of Shanghai, but cut that margin by 410 points after his victory.

HOT SHOTS: best of Shanghai Masters

Nadal is still well clear at No.1 with a 1,960-point buffer, but there’s now a spanner in the works for him – a dodgy knee.

Nadal played the Shanghai final with his right knee taped, and is now in doubt for his next scheduled tournament in Basel.

Nadal unsure about playing Basel & doesn't want to say a word about the knee. "I don't wanna be called a bad loser. He played well and fast"

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 15, 2017

Nadal:"I don't know about Basel. I need to think about it. I cannot tell you now" #SHRolexMasters

— Ubitennis (@Ubitennis) October 15, 2017

Federer is expected, but not certain, to play his home event – contested on a quick indoor hardcourt – and has a chance to cut Nadal’s lead further with a strong showing. There are 500 points on offer for the winner of the Basel tournament.

Federer, like Nadal, is also scheduled to play in Paris and at the ATP Finals in London.

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“London is my priority now and I really want to win the World Tour Finals,” Federer said.

“Everything that comes now is a bonus after the year that I’ve had.

“Finishing as No.1 is a long shot, and I don’t think it will happen but if I play like this, who knows? Maybe I will get close again.”