• ATP Tour

Federer begins 2011 in style with Qatar Open win

ESPN staff
January 8, 2011
Roger Federer sealed a 15th career win against Nikolay Davydenko © PA Photos
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Roger Federer looks well set to defend his Australian Open title after he brushed aside Nikolay Davydenko in the Qatar Open final.

Federer needed a mere 79 minutes to snatch a 6-3 6-4 triumph, his 15th from 17 matches against Davydenko. The success lands a significant early blow in what is sure to be a year-long battle with Nadal, who crashed out at the semi-final stage.

This was Federer operating close to his best, creating break points at will and giving away absolutely nothing behind his own serve. The only source of concern will be the break-point conversion rate, with only two of eight opportunities taken.

He dismantled Davydenko's second serve in the first set, clinching nine of 13 points there, on his way to clinching one break. It was the same story in the second frame, Federer being forced to wait until the ninth game before breaking to love.

"I'm very happy to kick-off the season today this way, I think I played an amazing match…it will give me a lot of confidence for the remainder of the season," Federer said.

Despite the defeat, Davydenko's progress indicates he has arrested his slump, having fallen to No. 22 in the world off the back of a dismal run towards the end of last year.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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