Madrid, October 23:

Roger Federer won his first Madrid Masters and 10th title of the season on Sunday with a 7-5, 6-1, 6-0 victory over Fernando Gonzalez.

Federer became the first player in the Open era to win 10 titles in three straight years. The Swiss moved ahead of Pete Sampras with his 12th Masters series title — second only to Andre Agassi’s 17.

“I am the best right now,” Federer said. “In history we’ll never know, unless I break all records, but that’s still a long way to go.” Federer didn’t drop a set in Madrid while winning his 19th straight match and third straight final. Earlier this month, Federer won the Japan Open after capturing his third consecutive US Open in September.

“I’ve really come a long way in the last four years and I really hope I stay healthy and improve,” Federer said of his 43-13 record in finals. Federer relied on a powerful backhand to break the Chilean six times — including in five straight games over the second and third sets.

“It was tough because I didn’t feel I was in my best shape, and on the other side of the court is a really good player,” Gonzalez said.