A Decade Later: Federer’s Landmark Victory Over Nadal in the 2015 Basel Final
Federer’s memorable triumph on home soil in a rare showdown with Nadal.
October 19, 2025
Photo credit: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
Roger Federer’s remarkable victory over Rafael Nadal in the 2015 Swiss Indoors Basel final.
By Arthur Kapetanakis
Exactly ten years ago, at the Swiss Indoors Basel, Roger Federer utilized his home advantage to secure a gripping 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 win against Rafael Nadal. This match was pivotal as it not only halted Federer’s five-match losing streak against Nadal but also ignited a winning momentum that lasted for five matches.
The significance of this encounter was further amplified, as it marked the first time these two legends clashed in nearly two years—since the 2014 Australian Open semi-finals. It would be their only meeting throughout 2015 and 2016, until they met again in the final of the 2017 Australian Open.
“It’s amazing how much can happen in over 600 days,” Federer recalled, reflecting on the long wait to face his rival. “I was clear on my game plan today.”
The final in Basel proved to be intensely competitive, with late breaks deciding both the second and third sets. Nadal fought back, breaking at 5-5 in the second to push the match to a decisive set. However, Federer responded powerfully, clinching the crucial break to lead 5-3 in the third, showcasing an array of stunning groundstroke winners throughout the two-hour contest.
“This day holds a special place in my heart,” Federer expressed after his extraordinary victory in his homeland. “It’s likely my most cherished win here in Basel.”
Federer celebrated his triumph by hosting a pizza party for the tournament’s ball kids, a tradition he embraced at the Basel event. Photo Credit: Harold Cunningham/Getty Images
This victory reduced Nadal’s edge in their Lexus ATP Head2Head rivalry to 23-11. After boasting a five-match winning streak, Federer ultimately closed the gap to 23-15, culminating in a thrilling five-set win at the 2017 Australian Open, followed by signature straight-sets victories at the ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells, Miami, and Shanghai. Their remaining encounters in 2019 would be tightly contested, with Nadal narrowly winning a pivotal French Open semi-final before Federer claimed victory in a gripping Wimbledon semi-final.
Throughout their rivalry, Nadal finished with a 24-16 record, propelled by three different five-match winning streaks (2005-06, 2008-09, 2013-14). Federer, on the other hand, only managed to win consecutive matches three times, with that remarkable five-match run sparked by his triumph in Basel.
Federer’s 2015 Basel title marked his 88th singles trophy at the tour level and his seventh title in his native city. He concluded his illustrious career with a total of 103 titles, trailing only Jimmy Connors’ 109, and holds a remarkable 10 crowns at this beloved tournament.
