The second-seeded Serbian won with something to spare by 6-3, 6-3, out playing the top-seeded Swiss maestro in the first set and recovering from 1-3 down in the second as Federer had constant problems with his timing and rhythm off the ground.
It gained Djokovic his third successive title at the $1,600,000 event, and suggested that he has every chance of leapfrogging Federer next month into the world number two ranking.
“Any time I win against Federer it’s a great success,” said Djokovic. “I guess I rose to the occasion. I was aware of the challenge expected of me, and I was aware I needed to be at the top of my game.”
Federer, though, rued his loss to the Serb, blaming a poor start.
“I had a difficult start and Novak played solid all the way through. But for me it was still a great tournament.”
Wozniacki loses Qatar final
Meanwhile, Russia’s Vera Zvonareva beat world number one Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark 6-4, 6-4 to win the Qatar Open WTA title, preventing the Dane from winning successive titles in the Middle-East.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 27th, 2011.
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