Federer revels in 'crazy' seventh Dubai success

RogerFederer - Cropped

Roger Federer described winning his seventh Dubai Tennis Championships title as "crazy" after the Swiss beat world number one Novak Djokovic in the final.

The 17-time grand slam champion was contesting his ninth final at the event and went on to secure his 84th ATP crown courtesy of a 6-3 7-5 triumph.

"Seventh is quite unbelievable," said Federer. "When I hear people talking about it and announcing me as seven- or six-time winner here in Dubai it sounds pretty crazy.

"I felt very good about the way I was playing, it was very positive ball striking and then I just needed to mix it up enough and serve big when I had to and not double-fault too many times because I was trying to hit bigger second serves and it all worked out well."

Djokovic, himself a four-time winner at the ATP 500 tournament, was left to rue missed chances after fluffing his lines on key points.

"If you don't use these opportunities [break points] against Roger then he fires back," said the Serbian. "Five-all, 40-0 game and I lost that one, but I didn't play too bad.

"I just thought he was too good in the point where maybe I had a chance, break points he served well, he aced and a volley that hit the line, bit of a lucky shot but that's what happens in a sport like this.

"A very quick surface and I congratulate him for his performance, he deserved it."

Author(s)