Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal after their final in Shanghai (Getty)

Roger Federer may have won his latest skirmish with Rafael Nadal, but he remains behind his great rival overall.

The Swiss legend beat his Spanish opponent 6-4 6-3 in the final of the Shanghai Masters on Sunday with a commanding display.

The victory for Federer was his sixth major trophy of the season and kept him in the running to end the year as world No.1.

It also saw him close the gap in his head-to-head record with Nadal which now stands at 15-23 in favour of the Spaniard.

Federer celebrates his victory (Getty)

So could Federer close the gap entirely? He doesn’t think so.

‘It’s not gonna happen,’ he said in China. ‘We don’t have enough years left on the tour, and we’re ranked too good that we play each other only in finals at the moment. It looks like that’s going to stay like this for a few months more.

‘So can’t win them all against Rafa, to be honest. He’s too good of a player.’

Federer v Nadal in 2017

Shanghai Masters final – Federer win 64 63

Miami Masters final – Federer win 63 64

Indian Wells R16 – Federer win 62 63

Australian Open final – 64 36 61 36 63

Federer’s recent record against Nadal has been superb with the world No.2 winning all four of their contests this year, including the final of the Australian Open.

Before the year is out they could meet again with a clash in the final of the ATP World Tour Finals looking a serious possibility based on their current form.

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