Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return during the singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at 2017 ATP Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai on Oct 15, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

In contrast, Nadal－a 16-time Grand Slam winner but who had never won the Shanghai Masters－was laboring through his service games.

There were suggestions that Federer might not be quite as fresh as his old foe, having been pushed to three sets a day earlier in the second semifinal against Juan Martin del Potro.

However, the ageless Federer rubbished that notion as he seared his way to a 5-3 first-set lead.

Nadal sent down his fourth ace for 5-4, only for Federer to seal the set with his seventh ace of the match.

Nadal, for whom defeat sees Federer close the gap at the top of the world rankings as the year approaches its climax, has nevertheless enjoyed a remarkable season.

His triumph in Beijing the previous weekend was also his sixth of the year as he continues to defy doubts about his fitness.

Afterward, Nadal reflected on "an emotional year".

"Today you played a fantastic match so well done, my congratulations," he told Federer.