Federer downs Nadal in London

Roger Federer defeated Rafael Nadal 6-3 3-6 6-1 to equal Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras' record haul of five Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at London's O2 Arena.

Federer was the better player throughout but Nadal, who was looking to add the one major title that has so far eluded him to his year's collection of three grand slams, put up a brave fight despite clearly not being at his best physically.

Federer, who takes home a cheque for just over £1million and 1,500 ranking points, said: "I've really enjoyed playing here this week, it's been a wonderful atmosphere once again. Rafa's had an amazing year, one any player dreams of."

It was the 22nd meeting between the pair, who between them have won 21 of the last 23 grand slam titles, but the first since May's Madrid Masters final and only their fourth match in two and a half years. Nadal led the head-to-head 14-7 but it was level at 3-3 on hard courts, while Federer had won both their previous encounters at the end-of-season showpiece.

The early indications were that Nadal was feeling the effects of his three hour semi-final exertions against Andy Murray on Saturday as Federer fired winners off his forehand and backhand, with the Spaniard left motionless.

The body serve that proved so effective for Nadal against Murray was working well again but there was a sense that the match was Federer's for the taking if he could play the big points well. The first opportunity duly arrived with Nadal serving at 3-4 and Federer looked confidence personified as he casually whipped a backhand winner cross-court to break.

Federer closed out the opener to love with a pinpoint forehand, but netted a volley to gave Nadal his first break points in the fourth game of the second set. One went begging but on the second Federer drilled a forehand wide.

Nadal played intelligently for the rest of the set, conserving energy where possible, and after an hour and six minutes he had two set points. He promptly took the first when Federer made a late decision to come to the net.

But the Majorcan found himself facing break point in the fourth game of the decider. A brilliant Federer return put his great rival in trouble, and a follow-up forehand left Nadal with too much to do. The Swiss now had victory in his sights but beating Nadal is as much a battle of the mind for Federer and he wobbled on serve before holding for 4-1.

With that hurdle overcome, the world number two set about challenging for a double break, and he achieved it when Nadal netted a backhand, allowing Federer to serve out to his 66th career title in an hour and 37 minutes.