And that’s how #Fedal38 came to pass. Roger Federer breezed past world No 1 Rafael Nadal in straight sets in the final of Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 on Sunday. The scoreline – 6-4 6-3 – tells you how dominant Federer was in his fifth consecutive win over his friend and rival from Spain. In the decade and a half of rivalry, this is the first ever time Federer has managed to win five matches in a row against Nadal.

In the course of his sixth title in 2017, Federer racked up some pretty impressive numbers. It was a 94th title for the Swiss legend, drawing him level with the great Ivan Lendl, and was a fifth victory in a row against world number one Nadal.
Nadal was ahead in their overall record down the years, with 23 wins to Federer’s 14, but he was up against it almost right away.
Here’s how their head-to-head record stands now:


“We didn’t think maybe we were going to have the year we did, I definitely didn’t,” Federer said on court afterwards, looking at Nadal, 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.”
Some statistics
Federer now won five consecutive matches vs Nadal, something that Rafa done 3 times in the past against him. Nadal never won 6 consecutive..
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 15, 2017
Federer since losing the 4th set of the Australian Open final vs Nadal:
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 15, 2017
6-3, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3
40% of Nadal's losses in 2017 are against Federer.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 15, 2017
As with every Fedal clash, there was a lot of chatter on social media during and after the showdown in Shanghai.
Roger Federer in 2017:
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) October 15, 2017
🥇 AusOpen
🥇 Indian Wells
🥇 Miami
🥇 Halle
🥇 Wimbledon
🥈 Montreal
🥇 Shanghai
World No. 2, still fighting for No. 1 pic.twitter.com/QWc4I6R6Sf
In many ways, this is Federer's most comprehensive win over Nadal in recent times. Unlike at the Aus Open, Nadal has been at his peak
— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) October 15, 2017
Whisper it quietly, but that's seven straight sets against Nadal for Federer...
— GameSetMatch 🎾 (@Tennis19MAD) October 15, 2017
SHANGHAI CHAMPION for a second time 👏🏻🏆🏆
Federer now equals Nadal with six titles for the year. These two have just bossed it in 2017 #SHRolexMasters
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) October 15, 2017
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal during the #ShanghaiMasters ceremony. If it weren't for the trophies, you wouldn't be able to guess who won. pic.twitter.com/sOJeHIGclY
— tennistweets (@tennistweets) October 15, 2017
The bromance is real. #Fedal pic.twitter.com/Q1C55baK8Q
— Tony Fairbairn (@fairbairntony8) October 15, 2017
With 6 titles each for both, in 2017, it's been all #Fedal.. Thx for everything guys. Keep playing on and on! #Nadal #Federer #FedalXXXVIII pic.twitter.com/Z7wkjJiBMK
— Kaushik LM (@LMKMovieManiac) October 15, 2017
Who would have thought 2017 would b the year when Roger figures out how to beat Rafa. Absolute drug.
— . (@FatimaAsh) October 15, 2017
What JOY to watch a Federer-Nadal match in 2017 and then see @rogerfederer win it!
— Pooja Hegde (@hegdepooja) October 15, 2017
I can't wrap my head around that level of tennis. That forehand, that backhand. God.
— Hershey #19 (@RogerisGod) October 15, 2017
Nadal to Federer. "You played a fantastic match. Amazing season".
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 15, 2017
Federer to Nadal. "It was just nice to share the court with you today".
Federer on Sky on what's helped him beat Nadal 5 straight times, smiles: 'Not playing him on clay'.
— Mike Dickson (@Mike_Dickson_DM) October 15, 2017