Rafael Nadal stole Roger Federer's return to India by beating the Swiss Maestro 6-5 via shootout in the second edition of International Premier Tennis league on Saturday.
The Spaniard also had the joy in the men's doubles against the 14-time Grand Slam champion.
After holding his serve in the third game, the 17-time Grand Slam winner had a breakpoint in the subsequent game, but he committed an unforced error for deuce. On the deciding point, Federer produced a spectacular backhand winner after charging towards the net to break Nadal back to make it 2-2. But, the Swiss was unable to consolidate his serve to be broken immediately. With both the players holding on to their serve, the match was poised at 5-3 and Nadal served for the set.
But Federer showed his class to break Nadal to make it 5-5 and take the match into shoot-out. In the shoot-out the Spaniard once again had a great start as he went 5-1 up. But, Federer won the next three games to make it 5-4. But Nadal won the subsequent point on his serve and in the next point the Spaniard sealed the match after Federer's shot sailed over the baseline. Meanwhile, Federer did not have a good time in doubles as well. The Swiss international teamed up with Marin Cilic lost 6-4 against Nadal-Bopanna.
‘Happy not to be trashed’
After the match Federer said the only thing he was under pressure was not to get trashed. When asked whether they were playing under any pressure, the Swiss Master said: "My pressure is a strange kind of pressure as just one set is being played. I did not want to get bowed out like 6-1."
"Now [after losing the match 6-5 via shootout] we can go and think about it, maybe for over a year. We both happy it went the distance and we had lot of tennis to play," he explained.
Immediately Nadal, who was sitting next to Federer said: "For me too." Then Federer added: "I came here without playing for a while, so I might have been a bit rusty so I am happy with the way I played."
Meanwhile, when speaking about pressure, Nadal said: "We play at heart and drive to play best tennis possible. So pressure or not we cannot say."
He continued: "It is great to share this experience with the rest of the players. I had a great time at IPTl."
Federer also confirmed that he will speak with Stan Wawrinka in January or February to see if they can pair up yet again in 2016 Olympics to defend their doubles gold medal. Meanwhile, Federer is also eager to start his association with Ivan ljubicic from 2016. "[Ivan] ljubicic is gonna join us in 2016 and I am eager to start my association with him as this is the first time I have someone in my coaching team who has played the same opponents I have faced." he explained. Federer remained non-committal about IPTl next year. "I love it so far that is why I am back again this time. I got a busy 2016, I have to see how first quarter of year goes then will see," he said.