JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO ended a six-match losing streak against Roger Federer to defeat the world number one and claim the Swiss Indoors in Basle.
The Argentine went a set up on his Swiss opponent after some dominant rallies from the baseline saw him emerge 6-4 winner.
Federer, who has won his hometown event for five of the past six years, battled back to take the second set on a tie-break.
The Swiss had four break opportunities in the final set but all were saved. Del Potro held his nerve, however, in the third set tie-break to clinch it seven points to three. The final score was 6-4, 6-7, 7-6.
The 24-year-old, winner of the US Open in 2009, is coming back to his best form following an extended spell on the sidelines due to injury.
The Swiss title is his second in two weeks following his victory over Grega Zemlja of Slovenia at the Vienna Open last Sunday. The title is his fourth of the season and 13th overall. Del Potro also won a bronze medal at London 2012.
Federer was denied his 77th career title and remains just behind John McEnroe on the all-time trophy winners’ list.
Serena Williams was also a winner on Sunday as she defeated Maria Sharapova 6-4, 6-3 to capture the WTA Championship title.
