Federer Wins Third Tennis Masters Cup Title
© Getty Images By Bill Scott
Roger Federer has concluded another season of tennis domination by posting a resounding 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 victory over James Blake to win his third Tennis Masters Cup in the past four years on Sunday.
The Swiss ATP World No. 1 also crashed to a new prize money record as he exceeded $8 million in winnings on court during a 92-5 season, which included a dozen titles.
The Swiss took home a cheque for $1,520,000 as an undefeated champion. He also won the event in Houston in 2003 and 2004 and played last year's Shanghai final at the Qi Zhong stadium against David Nalbandian.
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"It's quite incredible," said Federer aftewards. "To finish off the season by winning the Masters Cup is really, for me. It's obviously the perfect ending to an incredible season.
© Getty Images "There's not much more I could have done. I gave myself the best possible chance basically at every event. To come out like this, on top, I surprised even myself."
"I had to laugh at one stage how well I was playing, I always came up with a great answer, you know. I was in control pretty much all the time.
"Everything I wanted to do worked. To come to this point in my career where I feel so happy with my game, it's come such a long way, you know, that I also am out of words really to describe this performance."
Federer was generous in victory with Blake, who has moved to a career-best fourth in the INDESIT ATP Rankings. "James has had a fantastic year, welcome to the Top 4," he said.
The winner called the circuit-ending finale "a joy to play," adding special public praise for longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec, a former player. "People say I'm the best in the world but I need Mirka to be the best."
The swashbuckling Swiss was untouchable on the day as he overwhelmed an all-but-defenseless Blake in little more than 90 minutes, firing 11 aces, 41 winners and losing serve only once.
© Getty Images Blake, an unlikely finalist as last man to qualify into the eight-strong field, was unable to make an impression in front of a sold-out 15,000 crowd at the Qi Zhong stadium.
The American was hammered by Federer for a sixth straight loss in the series as the Swiss world number 1 clinched a 12th title this season. "I really appreciate the support - whether I'm playing well of being given a lesson by Roger," said the modest American. "Roger is the best of the best, not only this week but maybe in the history of the game.
"I'm honored to be considered one of his colleagues. It's so great watching him play."
Federer won his 29th match in a row, second-longest win streak of his career and becomes the first man to win three year-end championships since Pete Sampras won the last of five ATP Tour World Championship titles in 1999.
To date, only five men have won three or more year-end championships (Ivan Lendl, Ilie Nastase, Boris Becker, John McEnroe).
Blake failed in his bid to become the first year-end debutant to win the title since Alex Corretja in 1998.
Exclusive Audio
Saturday: Blake Sweeps Past Nalbandian into Final
Saturday: Federer Beats Nadal to Reach Fourth Straight Final
Friday: Nadal Edges Davydenko Sets Up Federer SF
Friday: Blake Fails Final Group Test; Plays Nalbandian in SFs
Thursday: Nalbandian into SFs After Federer Win
Thursday: Federer Wins 90th Match of 2006
Wednesday: Blake Improves to 2-0, Qualifies for SFs
Wednesday: Nadal Keeps Alive Semifinal Hopes
Tuesday: Ljubicic Sinks Nalbandian With 30 Aces
Tuesday: Federer Makes Roddick Pay for Missed Opportunities
Monday: Blake Earns Dramatic Win Over Nadal
Monday: Davydenko Continues Hot Form, Defeats Robredo
Sunday: Federer Avenges 2005 Final Loss to Nalbandian
Sunday: Roddick Wins Red Group Opener Over Roddick
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