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Federer's beautiful tribute to beaten Nadal

Roger Federer has paid a wonderful tribute to Rafael Nadal after thrashing his long-time friend and foe in the Shanghai Masters final.

Federer extended his winning streak over Nadal to five games with a 6-4, 6-3 win on Sunday in a showdown between the two best players on the planet.

It was a 94th title for the Swiss legend, drawing him level with the great Ivan Lendl.

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Nadal, who admitted afterwards that he had been beaten by the better man on the night, now leads their overall record, 23 wins to Federer's 15.

The Swiss maestro heaped praise on his opponent after the game in a brilliant moment of sportsmanship.

Two absolute legends. Image: Getty
Two absolute legends. Image: Getty

"We didn't think maybe we were going to have the year we did, I definitely didn't," Federer said on court, reflecting on their continued success even at this late stage of their careers.

"It's nice to share this court with you today and I hope there are more to come in the tournaments we've got left.

"It's been a pleasure playing against you here today."

Nadal, for whom defeat sees Federer close the gap at the top of the world rankings as the year approaches its climax, has enjoyed a remarkable season of his own.

His triumph in Beijing last weekend was also his sixth of the year as he continues to defy doubts about his fitness following repeated injury.

The Spaniard called it "an emotional year".

"I could maybe have done some things better," said Nadal.

"Of course was not the best match of the week for me... but when someone plays better than you in most of the things that really matter in this sport, then it's tough."

He declined to say if he had been hampered by a problem with his right knee, which had a bandage on it during the match.

"I don't want to talk about that now, sorry," Nadal said.

"After losing a final it's not the moment."

with AFP