Federer's streaks end in Masters Cup final

SHANGHAI, China -- Even David Nalbandian was impressed with the way he beat Roger Federer in the finals of the Masters Cup.

Nalbandian lost the first two sets and then trailed 30-0 with Federer serving for the match in the fifth set, before ending the top-ranked player's streak of 24 straight finals wins and handing him just his fourth loss of the year, 6-7 (4), 6-7 (11), 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (3) Sunday.

"It's really incredible, these kind of matches in the finals against the No. 1 of the world," Nalbandian said. "He didn't lose many matches during the year. So it's really important."

The 23-year-old Argentine didn't qualify automatically for the season-ending event. Ranked 12th, Nalbandian was drafted into the eight-man draw when third-ranked Andy Roddick pulled out with an injured back.

He had to cancel a planned fishing trip to travel to Shanghai, where Roddick was one of five leading players who withdrew either before or right at the start of the tournament.

After dropping the first two sets, Nalbandian won 16 of 19 games and led 4-0 in the deciding set before Federer, the two-time defending champion, mounted a comeback and was serving for the match at 6-5, 30-0.

Nalbandian earned $1.4 million for winning and improved his year-end ranking to a career-high No. 6.

Federer was on a memorable roll: 35 straight wins; the all-time best unbeaten stretch in 24 finals; and an 81-3 record in 2005 -- one win short of John McEnroe's Open era record for best winning percentage in a men's season.

Mauresmo claims title

Amelie Mauresmo outlasted Mary Pierce 5-7, 7-6 (3), 6-4 in a marathon baseline slugfest to win the WTA Championships in Los Angeles on Sunday for the biggest title of her career.

Mauresmo double-faulted to trail love-40 in the final game, but rallied on five consecutive errors by Pierce in the first all-French final of the season-ending tournament.

When Pierce's cross-court backhand went wide, Mauresmo fell to her knees and clapped her hands to her head as the crowd erupted in applause. She got up and met Pierce on the sideline, where they embraced and Pierce whispered in her ear and kissed Mauresmo's cheek.

She earned $1 million for the victory; Pierce received $500,000.