Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer beat Argentine Juan Martin del Potro to win the Swiss Indoors, and close the gap in the world rankings on his great rival Rafael Nadal.

The 36 year old prevailed 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-3 to pick up his eighth Basel crown, and moves within 1,460 points of the Spaniard before next weeks Paris Masters event. However, rumours are spreading that the Swiss master is set to withdraw from the final Masters 1000 tournament of the year, due to a back injury. 

Federer's extraordinary 2017 season has been partly down to limiting his schedule in order to remain fresh and fully fit for every tournament he enters. Skipping the Paris event can only improve his chances of winning the ATP World Tour Finals in London next month.

A win for Del Potro would have secured him a place in the ATP London finals. The former US Open Champion has pulled off some of the best shot making in recent weeks, winning the Stockholm Open. With a career heavily marred with career threatening wrist injuries, Del Potro proved to be as hard-hitting as he ever has been. But it wasn't enough to outclass the 19 grand slam champion.

"It's unbelievable how well Roger is playing," said Del Potro. "I hope to be in such shape when I'm his age. But I doubt I will be."

Federer Loses His Temper

Federer and Del Potro have met on four previous occasions in 2017, with the Argentine getting the better of the two in September's US Open Semi-Final.

In a tight opening set, Federer had the chance to take it on serve, only for Del Potro to break, and the Swiss player then lost five points in a row to surrender the tie-break.Federer's frustrations came to a head in the fourth game of the second set when he blew the chance to stamp his authority back on the match.

The 19-time Grand Slam champion carved out a break point and took control of the rally at 30-40, only to send a simple backhand volley wide.It triggered an angry outburst as Federer smashed his racquet into the net in a rare show of emotion.

However, he regained his composure to break in the final game of the set, before wrapping up the victory with two further breaks in the third.Federer now has 95 career titles, with American Jimmy Connors leading the all-time list on 109.