Fast Break

TENNIS

Federer stops Nadal’s streak

Roger Federer had the perfect response to questions about his status as the world’s top-ranked player – he ended Rafael Nadal’s 81-match winning streak on clay.

Federer beat Nadal 2-6, 6-2, 6-0 in the final of the Hamburg Masters in Hamburg, Germany, on Sunday to win his first clay-court title in two years and snap out of a slump during which he failed to win a title in four events. It was his worst run since he became No. 1 in February 2004.

Nadal, who had never lost to Federer on clay in five previous matches and leads the overall series 7-4, was impressed.

“He is unbelievable,” the Spaniard said.

BASEBALL

Bernie steals the show at Iona

Bernie Williams may no longer be a member of the New York Yankees, but fans still cheer him on as if he were.

Appearing as the guest speaker at Iona College’s graduation commencement Sunday held at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, Williams was serenaded with cheers, whistles and applause for nearly 30 seconds, with many of the graduates as well as a few hundred guests standing and pumping their fists.

“Don’t be afraid to take risks. Make the most of your journey. Make it fun and exciting,” said Williams, who shook hands with several graduates who stopped by his seat on the way to getting their diplomas.

SOCCER

Romario scores 1,000th* goal

Veteran striker Romario scored the 1,000th goal of his 23-year career during Vasco’s game with Sport of Recife in the second round of the Brazilian national championship at Rio de Janeiro.

The 41-year-old Romario hit the milestone on a 48th-minute penalty kick before a cheering crowd that packed Rio’s Sao Januario stadium to see the 23-year veteran.

Many soccer experts consider the landmark dubious. That’s because Romario counts 71 goals scored as a teenager and as an amateur, as well as others scored in training games and unofficial matches against small clubs.

SAILING

American team makes early exit

Facing the first of four must-win races, BMW Oracle Racing swapped helmsman, put its owner back onboard and even changed its dock-out song.

All to no avail.

Luna Rossa of Italy beat the Americans again in their America’s Cup challengers series at Valencia, Spain, clinching the best-of-nine semifinals 5-1. For the first time in 24 years, there will be no American team in the Louis Vuitton Cup final.