Federer beats Youzhny for Dubai title

Roger Federer defeated unseeded Russian Mikhail Youzhny 6-4 6-3 yesterday to win the Dubai Open.

It was his fourth Dubai title in five years and his 41st consecutive victory, stretching back to the beginning of the US Open last August.

Bjorn Borg, whose record of consecutive wins Federer equalled, was on hand to witness the occasion.

Youzhny, who upset defending champion Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals, was seeking his second crown in two weeks after winning in Rotterdam. But he was unable to prevent Federer from claiming his seventh straight title.

Federer had several times got off to a slow start during the week. He did so again in the final, dropping his serve in the opening game when Youzhny hit a winning return off a second serve.

But Federer held his second service game with an ace and then levelled at 2-2 when Youzhny hit a double-fault.

As both players mixed floating shots with occasional power, Federer broke to take a 5-3 lead when Youzhny netted a backhand. Although Federer was unable to serve out the set, Youzhny dropped his serve for a third time when he netted a backhand approach.

Federer then took advantage of his deflated opponent by allowing the Russian just three points in the opening three games of the second set.

Federer went on to hold a multitude of break point opportunities, failing to win four at 4-1 and then five match points on Youzhny's serve at 5-2, before finally clinching victory on his seventh match point.