Before the Australia Open this year, tennis fans were wishing for a Roger Federer against Rafael Nadal final.
Speaking after the win, Federer said: "The dream continues".
Federer said he also had some concern that clay may cause trouble for his knee. My body needs healing.
Federer ended a four-and-a-half-year wait to win his 18th Grand Slam, becoming the oldest victor of one of his sport's most prized events in 43 years with his triumph in Melbourne. When I'm feeling good I can produce tennis like this.
'It's been a very good 2 weeks for me, even if I lost for the third time to Roger this year'.
Roger Federer's Swiss compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka quietly made it to the top five of the ATP rankings during Federer's absence. Always when I am playing that well, on clay always helps a little bit more for me. It was more of a fight mode I was in today just trying to stay afloat.
The victory turned back the clock, as Federer has done so often of late.
The victory marked his third Key Biscayne crown, following his previous triumphs in 2005 and 2006. Nadal is in his fifth final here but has yet to win the title. He was also runner-up in 2008, 2011 and 2014.
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The two leaders also did not issue a joint statement or hold a joint press conference, a sign discussions are still taking place. "It was a great honor to have President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan of China as our guests in the United States ".
"Every three years I am here in this position but always with the smaller trophy", he observed. "I truly believe you are going to still win this tournament".
"Of course I'm thrilled for him as well that he came back as well as he did after the comeback, the struggles that he had past year". If he didn't play another match this season, those 4,045 points would likely rank him No. 6 for the entire year. I'll say it again, you will win this tournament someday.
"To all the Latins here, thanks for all the love and support when I play here in Miami".
Nadal saved two set points in the seventh game of the second set but Federer broke his rival's serve in the ninth game for a 5-4 lead.
But, the rejuvenated Federer pulled off an epic match.
The number of times Federer and Nadal will have met after Sunday's final. He is coming off a grueling but thrilling semifinal win over Nick Kyrgios that went to tiebreaks in all three sets and lasted over three hours on Friday night.
Speaking on court after the match, Federer congratulated his Spanish opponent on his own comeback before admitting he was happy they were in the final together. His best start since 2006 comes after he missed the final six months of past year with a left knee injury. But after a year plagued with nagging injuries and father time for both of the tennis greats, it seemed that their chapter had closed for good.
Federer's vast repertoire was on display throughout the tournament. Just as it seemed that one player had stolen the advantage the other produced a heroic effort in order to keep themselves in the game.
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