Roger Federer continued to roll back the years, winning the Miami Open, and returning to the top-five in the World Rankings.
The Swiss star defeated Rafael Nadal in Florida in straight sets. The 6-3 6-4 win is Federer's fourth victory over his greatest rival in a row.
After winning the Australian Open in January, the 35-year-old continues to enjoy a career resurgence, winning his third title of the year.
Federer ended last year at 16th in the World Rankings after missing the final months of the year through injury. Despite the senior status on the ATP Tour, the Basel-born star has been the most consistent player on tour in 2017.
A special message from our 2017 #MiamiOpen men's singles champion @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/ELLN3fPcyU
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) April 2, 2017
After his win over Nadal, he revealed he was going to take some time off and not return until the French Open in June. "I'm not 24 anymore," Federer told ESPN. "I need a rest. My body needs healing."
"When I'm healthy and feeling good, I can produce tennis like this. If I'm not feeling this good, there's no chance I'll be in finals competing with Rafa."
Despite Federer's recent dominance over Nadal, he jokingly told the Miami crowd that he expects that to change later this year, during the clay season.
"The clay courts around the corner. I'm sure you're going to tear me to pieces over there."
At 35, Federer is the oldest player in the the top-20, with only 38-year-old Ivo Karlovic (ranked 21st) being older than him in the top-30. On his way to the final, the Swiss star had to defeat 21-year-old Nick Kyrgios in the last four.
Federer's return to tennis' top table has been one of the sporting highlights of 2017. There's life in the old dog yet.
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