• ATP Tour

Federer ends title drought in Basel

ESPN staff
November 6, 2011
Roger Federer claimed his fifth title in Basel © Getty Images
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Roger Federer shrugged off the challenge of Kei Nishikori to defend his Swiss Indoors title in Basel.

Nishikori was a surprise finalist after upsetting top seed Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, but produced little resistance as Federer strolled to a 6-1 6-3 victory.

The victory marked Federer's 68th career title, but only his second of 2011 after he won the first event of the year in Doha.

Nishikori condemned Djokovic to only his fourth defeat of the season on Saturday, but he was unable to repeat his giantkilling heroics as Federer grabbed an early break.

The third seed dropped just one point on serve as he cruised throught the opening set, and although the world No. 32 put up a better fight in the second, he was helpless to stop Federer romping to a fifth title in six years at his home event.

"He was too good for me today," Nishikori said. "I tried to do my best but he wouldn't let me."

At the Valencia Open, Marcel Granollers captured his second title of the year by beating Juan Monaco 6-2 4-6 7-6(3) in a shade over three hours.

"It was a very tough final that was determined through a couple of balls after three hours of play," said Monaco. "But it has been a great week. I am satisfied with the work I have been doing … I think we both played a good match. The third set was pretty aggressive."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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