Federer gives Berdych blues with fightback win

TENNIS: Roger Federer left a lasting impression on the Madrid Open’s controversial blue claycourt when the Swiss maestro ground out a thrilling 3-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory over Czech Tomas Berdych to match Rafa Nadal’s record of 20 Masters titles yesterday. Spaniard Nadal was one of the most vocal opponents of the new surface, which he said was dangerously slippery, but Federer proved better able to adapt to the testing conditions and secured his fourth title of the season, and the 74th of his illustrious career, after edging a gripping final at the futuristic Magic Box arena. American Serena Williams, meanwhile, collected the ladies’ title after thumping top seed Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-3.