Djokovic denies Federer in Dubai

Novak Djokovic comprehensively outplayed world number two Roger Federer to seal the Dubai Duty Free Championships title with a 6-3 6-3 win yesterday.

Except for a brief period at the start of the second set when Federer gained his only break of the match, the Serbian was on top from start to finish and thoroughly deserved his win.

Djokovic, ranked third in the world, broke in game three as much due to his opponent’s mistakes as his own shot-making, as Federer sent sent a forehand long to gift the Serbian the advantage.

Federer was then forced to save two break points in a marathon game five, but, after holding, could apply no pressure on the Djokovic serve.

And Djokovic sealed the set in style as, with the Swiss struggling to control his delivery, he gained a second break in game nine to underline his dominance.

Federer regained his composure to hold in game two of the second set, then took Djokovic to deuce and gained his first break of the match courtesy of an error from his opponent.

But it was a brief patch of form for Federer, who produced another error-strewn game to allow Djokovic to break back for 3-3.

The Serbian took advantage of Federer’s increasingly errant backhand to break again for 5-3, then held comfortably to seal a comprehensive victory.

“I played really well here,” said Djokovic.

“It’s a great challenge playing Roger and I had to be at the top of my game if I was going to win.”

Zvonavera triumphs

It was third time lucky for Vera Zvonareva in Doha as she shocked top seeded Caroline Wozniacki to win the WTA Qatar Open.

Zvonareva, the second seed, won 6-4, 6-4 to break her title hoodoo in Qatar where she has lost twice in the finals – to Maria Sharaapova in this event in 2008 and to Venus Williams in the season-ending WTA Championships the same year.

“It’s a special moment for me. I have so many fans here and it’s an unbelievable feeling to come to Doha and win this tournament,” the Russian said.