Roger loses title to long-time nemesis

Federer failed to defend his title at Madrid as he lost to long-time nemesis David Nalbandian in three sets, 6-1 3-6 3-6.

The Swiss top seed and defending champion appeared to be on the way to another routine win when he easily took the first set on two breaks of serve. Unfortunately he was unable to maintain his form, committing an uncharacteristic 38 unforced errors in the process, as the unseeded Argentine skillfully put into execution an effective game plan just as he did when he defeated Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

This is only the seventh loss for Federer this season and first to Nalbandian since 2005 where the latter similarly came back from two sets down to clinch his first Tennis Masters Cup title.
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