Points won by each set: [ 31-23, 30-21 ]
Points won directly behind the serve:
47 % Federer – 21 of 44
32 % Nadal – 20 of 61
“I had no nerves really before the match, which was nice,” said Federer. “I was pretty clear about how I wanted to play the match. And then I came out and started off very well. Felt relaxed from then on. I always know that Rafa can come back at any moment if he connects well, picks the right sides, and does the right things.” It was Federer’s flawless performance, especially his service disposal was astonishing – a game for a 4:2 lead in the opener he won in 50 seconds serving four consecutive aces! On his serve he never needed to play ‘deuce’ holding nine times comfortably. Nadal finished the 2017 season as the best player in the world, but he lost all four ’17 matches against Federer (Nadal still leads 23-15 in their rivalry), having no chance in their last three meetings, not breaking Federer even once #
Federer’s route to his 94th title (tied Lendl’s record, Connors won 109):
2 Diego Schwartzman 7-6(4), 6-4
3 Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-4, 6-2
Q Richard Gasquet 7-5, 6-4
S Juan Martin del Potro 3-6, 6-3, 6-3
W Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-3