Rampant Federer clinches Qatar Open

Federer warmed up for Australian Open in style, captured his third Qatar Open title with 6-3, 6-4 victory.

DOHA: World number two Roger Federer warmed up for the Australian Open in style when he captured his third Qatar Open title with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over defending champion Nikolay Davydenko of Russia in Doha.

Federer, who won the title in 2005 and 2006, took his career record to 15-2 over Davydenko who had knocked out top seed Rafael Nadal in Friday’s semi-finals. It was Federer’s 67th career title as he became the first three-time winner of the Qatar Open.

The Swiss star clinched victory in impressive fashion, winning the last 10 points of the match.

“It feels great. I can’t believe that I am on the board already this year,” said Federer. “This was a strong tournament and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Federer will now head to the Australian Open in confident mood as he looks to win a 17th Grand Slam title.

Davydenko looked all set for the final when he defeated a below-par Nadal earlier, but struggled to contain Federer from the outset, falling 3-0 down and doing well to save another six break points as the Swiss took the first set.

The second set was a tighter affair but a ruthless Federer took advantage of the first break point that came his way at 4-4 and served out to regain the title.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2011.