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For the first time in two years, Roger Federer was able to beat the world’s number one tennis player, Rafael Nadal, beating the Spaniard in the Madrid Masters in straight sets, 6-4 6-4, breaking him once in each set.

Federer looked impressive throughout the tournament, dropping only one set on his way to the final against Andy Roddick. Nadal had a harder time, especially in the Semi Final, in which he beat Novak Djokovic after a 4 hour classic.

Roger looked focused and fresh, kept his composure and just played smart and correct. Nadal looked heavy at times, maybe a bit fatigued from the Djokovic games. His attempts at riding the Federer backhand didn’t work, as Federer looked much better than at any point of the season, and protected his serving games perfectly.

Roger didn’t look going out of his way after the victory, knowing that the big test will come in the Roland Garros but there’s no doubt that this win over Nadal will give him a big boost before Paris. After all, this was Nadal’s first defeat on clay after 33 straight wins and maybe Federer finally found a crack in the armor of the Spaniard who will be going for his fifth straight French Open title.

For Federer it was his first title of the season in his second final, his fifth finals win over Rafa and only the second time he has beaten him in a clay final tournament, losing 8 of 10 clay finals against him.