DOHA - World No 1 Roger Federer became the first player to successfully defend the Qatar Open crown since Swede Stefan Edberg in 1995 when he beat French teenager Gael Monfils 6-3 7-6 in the final yesterday.
"It's nice to win back-to-back titles. It was a great opening week of the year, a beautiful start," Federer said after extending his winning streak on hardcourts to 45 matches.
"This also shows that I have been able to overcome my foot injury and play well."
The Swiss player sprained his right ankle in training in October.
Seventh seed Monfils, 19, gave Federer a strong test despite losing six games in a row.
He broke his opponent in his first service game but Federer refused to let the youngster dominate as he dictated from the back of the court.
Federer went on the attack and Monfils made far too many unforced errors.
He saved three break points in the fourth game, firing three thunderous aces to wriggle out of tight situations.
The Frenchman then had chances to go 4-1 up but failed to seize them and Federer made him pay by reeling off five successive games to snatch the set.
Federer broke serve in the opening game of the second but Monfils hit back immediately and the pair were well-matched throughout the set.
Monfils led 5-3 in the tiebreak before Federer showed why he is a champion by claiming the last four points to clinch victory.
"It's good to have tough matches, as long as I win," joked Federer.
Monfils said he was happy with his performance.
- REUTERS
Tennis: 'Beautiful' start to year for Federer
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.