World No 1 Roger Federer wrapped up his dazzling season in
perfect fashion by cruising to victory at the Masters Cup in
Shanghai yesterday.
The Swiss star produced the most one-sided match of the
tournament, beating James Blake of the United States 6-0, 6-3, 6-4
in the 2006 season finale.
"For me, it is incredible to finish off a season in this way,
this is really a perfect result for me," said 25-year-old Federer.
"He (Blake) was extremely tough today because he is in the greatest
shape he has ever been in, thus I had to hit harder and stay 100
per cent focused all the time. I am happy my backhand worked well,
and actually I did everything well today."
Federer is the first man to win three annual championships since
Pete Sampras won the last of his five ATP Tour World Championship
titles in 1999. Federer won in Houston in 2003 and 2004, but was
upstaged in last year's final in Shanghai by David Nalbandian.
He is also the first professional tennis player to earn over
US$8 million in prize money a single season, with his winnings
standing at a cool US$8,343,885.
This record-breaking year has seen him win three grand slam
titles at the Australian, Wimbledon and US Opens, as well as four
ATP Masters Series trophies at Indian Wells, Miami, Canada and
Madrid.
"There isn't much more I could have done this year. I gave
myself the best possible chance basically at every event. To come
out like this - on top, I surprised even myself," said Federder. "I
am out of words now. I had to laugh at one stage about how well I
was playing."
For Blake, scaling to No. 4 in the world rankings after his
semi-final victory over defending champion David Nalbandian, the
Shanghai trip was equally worthwhile.
"This is obviously an incredible year for me, I am thrilled
about that," said Blake, who beat Rafael Nadal, Nikolay Davydenko
and Nalbandian en route to the finals. "This time I am ending -
even though it was a loss - on a pretty high note. Beating the best
players in a week is for me pretty amazing."
However, Federer showed Blake no mercy on the court, breaking
Blake in the opening game.
Before the 18,000 spectators in Shanghai Qizhong Tennis Centre
had time to settle into their seats, the Swiss was 4-0 ahead. The
American tried his best to hang in, but his inability to convert
any of his five break points in the fifth game allowed Federer to
claim a 6-0 "bagel."
The Swiss was the first to break the deadlock in the second and
he advanced quickly to a 4-2 lead, unleashing three aces to hold
serve in the sixth game.
Blake's strong forehands kept him briefly in contention, but at
5-3 Federer was unstoppable to serve out the set.
Blake, enjoying his best ever season after winning five ATP
titles in eight finals, tried all he could to claw his way back,
attempting the same deep, cross-court strategy that helped him
destroy world No 2 Rafael Nadal in his opening match last week.
But all was in vain, as Federer again surged a 4-2 lead. Blake
refused to accept defeat, pulling the score back to 5-4. Serving
for the match Federer kept his cool, and with Blake unable to
return a deep serve, the title was his.
During the match Blake took just one of 11 break points, while
Federer was able to take 6 from 13, the Swiss now having beaten
Blake six times in a row.
(China Daily November 20, 2006)
