Federer knocks off Nadal

MADRID (AP) — Roger Federer beat top-ranked Rafael Nadal in a final for the first time in two years Sunday to claim the Madrid Open title 6-4, 6-4.

Second-ranked Federer broke a sluggish Nadal once in both sets before firing his sixth ace of the match to claim his 15th Masters Series title on the second match point. Federer also won here in 2006 when the event was played on indoor hard court.

It was only Federer's second victory over his top rival on clay with the other coming at the Hamburg final two years ago. The victory also ended Federer's five-match losing run to Nadal, a streak in which he lost at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and Australia.

"He was simply better than me," Nadal said.