Federer wins seventh Dubai open title

Swiss superstar Roger Federer won the ATP Dubai duty free championships for the seventh time after beating arch rival and world number one Novak Djokovic 6-3, 7-5 in one hour 24 minutes here on Saturday.

In the first set, the Serbian showed in particular weakness in his first serves of which he won 70 percent, while his Swiss rival won 85 percent amid a clear night sky above the Dubai aviation club stadium with temperatures below 18 degrees Celsius. When the game came to a deuce at 3-3, Federer broke Djokovic the first time and then led in 5-3 before winning the first set 6-3.

Djokovic needed three long sets in the semifinal beating Tomas Berdych on Friday, while the 33-year-old Federer defeated Borna Coric in a short and decisive two-set match.

Djokovic had led 5-4 in the second set, but he failed to break Federer's game despite a 15-40 lead. At 5-5, Federer suddenly appeared highly motivated and played more risky, turned a 40-0 into a deuce when Djokovic served, and the Serbian lost focus and made more unforced errors.

"I think we both gave the best," said Federer.

Asked about his 9000th ace of his career, he said: "That is really a huge number. I hope to play here also next year."

Federer scored a total of 12 aces during the final, while Djokovic scored just one. Endi