Roger Federer has continued his astonishing comeback from injury, beating Rafael for a third time this year, to claim the Miami Open title.
Federer claimed a 6-3, 6-4 win over Nadal, his fourth consecutive triumph over the Spaniard.
The 18-time Grand Slam champion has announced he will now take a break for nearly two months, before returning for the French Open in May.
โI'm not 24 any more so things have changed in a big way and I probably won't play any clay court event except the French. That is what it is going to look like, I need rest, my body needs healing, I need time as well to prepare, you will probably see me at the French again,โ Federer said.
โI want to stay healthy and enjoy myself. Because when I am healthy and feeling good, I can produce tennis like this, when I am not feeling this good there is no chance I will be in the finals competing with Rafa.
โThat is why this break coming now in the clay court season and focusing everything now on the French, the grass and then the hard courts after that is going to be the key for me.โ
Federer now has a 19-1 record this season.
