Roger Federer Retains Title at ATP 500 Basel

World number 3, Roger Federer has retained his title at the ATP 500 Basel after defeating Rafael Nadal in three-set final.

Federer had lost his five previous matches against Nadal and looked like he was going to lose again when he dropped the second set, but he took a decisive break in the third set to seal a 6-3 5-7 6-3 win on home soil.

Nadal has shown new-found confidence throughout the week and quickly scrutinised the Federer serve, bringing up an early break point which was repelled by his long-time rival. Federer was far more clinical with his next break point opportunity as a pinpoint forehand allowed him to move 4-2 up in the opener. 

Both men refused to give ground in the early stages of the decider, with Federer unloading sweetly-struck ground strokes while briefly troubled on his serve. Nadal could not keep his old rival at bay in the eighth game and was broken after sweeping a forehand into the net.

Federer was still forced to work for his seventh title win as Nadal fended off one match point before firing long to confirm his defeat.