Federer Stops Nadal
"He is unbelievable," Rafael Nadal said of Roger Federer, above, after Federer beat Nadal in the final of the Hamburg Masters.
(Fabian Bimmer - AP)
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Roger Federer had the perfect response to questions about his status as the world's top-ranked player -- he ended Rafael Nadal's 81-match winning streak on clay.
Federer beat Nadal, 2-6, 6-2, 6-0, yesterday in the final of the Hamburg Masters to win his first clay-court title in two years and snap out of a slump during which he failed to win a title in four events. It was his worst run since he became No. 1 in February 2004.
Federer also gave himself a major boost one week before the French Open, the second major of the year and the only Grand Slam he hasn't won.
"It was an incredible performance from my side," Federer said. "I had a great day, it's nice to be playing well again. It's my first title on clay in a couple of years."
Nadal, who had never lost to Federer on clay in five previous matches and leads the overall series 7-4, was impressed.
"He is unbelievable," the Spaniard said.
Nadal, ranked No. 2 in the world behind Federer, had been unbeaten on the surface since April 2005, a run that included 13 titles. . . .
Pete Sampras relied on his still powerful serve to defeat Todd Martin, 6-3, 1-6, 10-6, in the Athens Champions Cup final.
ยท SWIMMING: Olympic champion Michael Phelps lost for the first time in six individual finals at the Eric Namesnik Memorial Grand Prix, finishing second to Club Wolverine teammate Erik Vendt in the 1,500 freestyle in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Vendt won in 15 minutes 31.29 seconds, while Phelps swam a 15:34.18.
"It feels pretty good [to beat Phelps], but it is my event," Vendt said. "He was coming into my territory, but I think it's good for him. It's a good starting point for him."
