Federer wins third straight title at Davidoff Swiss Indoors; 57th career title

Swiss No. 1 seed Roger Federer (pictured) won his third straight Davidoff Swiss Indoors in his hometown of Basel after defeating No. 2 seed David Nalbandian, 6-3, 6-4, in 70 minutes. The 13-time grand slam singles champion improves his series record against Nalbandian to 10-8.

From the start, Federer was dominant in all aspects, especially on serve. The 27-year-old, who earned his 57th career ATP singles title with his victory today, hammered eight aces past his Argentine opponent, while losing only seven points on serve throughout the match. The former World No. 1 was able to break Nalbandian’s serve while up 3-2 in the first set and in the third game of the second set. Nalbandian did not have any break point opportunities throughout the match.

“I’m happy the way things are going right now; I played well at the US Open, in Davis Cup and last week in Madrid,” said Federer. “This was another good week for me. It was fantastic to beat one of my biggest rivals in a good match. It was great to win at home. That is what really stands out for me, realizing a childhood dream and winning the title over and over again.”

Playing in Basel for the ninth time in his lavish career, Federer improved his record to 29-6, which includes three titles and runner-up finishes in 2000 and 2001. The Swiss superstar improves to 63-13 on the season, highlighted by winning the US Open and titles in Estoril and Halle. Federer also reached the singles final at the French Open and at Wimbledon, as well as teaming with fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka to win the doubles gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

The 26-year-old Nalbandian, who won titles earlier this year in Buenos Aires and Stockholm, falls to 1-3 in finals in Basel. He won the title in 2002 by defeating Fernando Gonzalez and was a finalist in 2003 and 2004. Currently ranked No. 8 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, Nalbandian falls to 39-15 on the season.

“Roger played almost perfect, he played great,” said Nalbandian. “He served very well and although I didn’t play bad he was better than me today. I had a good week though.”

Federer earned a winner’s paycheck of $145,200 (Euros) by winning the title, while Nalbandian collected a finalist check for $78,475 (Euros). Both players are scheduled to play next week in Paris at the BNP Paribas Masters. Federer is seeded No. 2 and is on the lower portion of the draw, while Nalbandian is seeded No. 8 and could meet No. 9 Juan Martin Del Potro in the third round.