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Nalbandian ends Federer's 35-win streak to lift Masters Cup
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-11-20 21:35
Federer beaten but his reputation remains unbowed
SHANGHAI, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Roger Federer proved he was human after all but
still managed to reinforce his reputation as being arguably the greatest player
of all time despite losing his Masters Cup title.
Argentine David Nalbandian's epic 6-7 6-7 6-2 6-1 7-6 victory over Federer in
Sunday's season-ending final brought the Swiss world number one's 35-match
winning streak to a shuddering halt.
It also prevented Fededer from claiming a third straight Masters Cup title
and matching John McEnroe's professional-era best record for a season of 82-3
set in 1984.
However, it did nothing to shatter Federer's aura of invincibility.
Feeling the effects of a month off with an ankle injury, Federer could barely
chase down Nalbandian's shots by the fourth set.
Playing on pure instinct, the Swiss maestro was simply trying to keep the
fifth set score respectable after Nalbandian raced into a 4-0 lead.
"I thought it was going to be over in five minutes at 4-0," said Federer, who
played the tournament with a strapped right ankle after suffering a bad sprain
in training last month.
"I was just trying to make it harder for him to win. I wasn't even trying to
win anymore in the end."
But through a superhuman effort, an exhausted Federer clawed his way back on
level terms and to within two points of the title at 6-5 and 30-0 before finally
running out of steam.
"I almost turned it around," shrugged Federer, who had won his previous 24
tournament finals.
"That would have been some incredible comeback."
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