Roger Federer came back from one set down to beat Tomas Berdych and win the Madrid Open 3-6 7-5 7-5.
“It was a tough tournament and a brutal draw. Tomas played very well,” said Federer who now replaces Rafael Nadal as world number two.
“I’m sure we will see each other many more times and they will be quality matches like this one.”
Berdych had beaten Federer twice this year, but the Swiss got his own back on Madrid’s controversial blue courts .
It’s the 11th time Federer has beaten Berdych, the world number six.
Berdych broke his opponent in the second game and went on to win a close first set.
Federer replied with two breaks in the second set to level the match.
The Czech produced a couple of double faults as Federer took a 5-3 lead in the third.
The 16 times grand slam champion let Berdych back in but at 6-5 he converted his fourth match point to claim the title.
Berdych said: “I want to congratulate Roger. He showed that he is really the star.”
It was Federer’s first game in 44 days and he had already been beaten twice by Berdych this year.
The win, his third Madrid title and the 20th Masters tournament of his career, also earned Federer a framed Men In Black suit from actor Will Smith.
