I'm not one to toot my own horn (ha!) but if you saw yesterday's post, I DID predict this result: Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal 2-6, 6-2, 6-0 Sunday to win his fourth Hamburg Masters title and end Nadal's record winning streak on clay at 81 matches.
This is an epic win for the world's number one who had NEVER before beaten Nadal on clay and who only has to win the French Open to be proclaimed the greatest of all time (well, at least on his way). This win is as much of a pyschological breaKthrough as Chris Evert's win over Martina Navratilova in the 1985 French Open final after more than two years of losing to her rival in majors.
It is Federer's fourth title in Hamburg, his first tournament win since February. He won the Australian Open in January and three titles overall in 2007. He is now my pick to win the French because I think Nadal overplayed and is physically and mentally spent. On the other hand, this loss could relieve the pressure of the streak from Nadal so if he has the energy, he can swing freely and go for his third title in a row.
Nadal's streak dated back to April 2005, a run that included 13 titles.
"If I have to lose against anyone, then he is the man," Nadal said after the match. "I am not sad to lose to the best in the world. Now I have to start another (streak)."
Nadal still leads the overall series 7-4.
"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...Eighty-one matches is an amazing series. I have a lot of respect for him."
Said Nadal: "I congratulate Roger and wish him good luck at the French Open," said Nadal, who has won at Paris the last two years.