Roger Federer claimed one of the few titles to have previously eluded him after he overcame a sluggish start to beat injured Frenchman Gilles Simon in the Shanghai Masters final yesterday.

The Swiss 17-times grand slam singles champion triumphed 7-6(6) 7-6(2) to register his 23rd Masters Series title and first in China, where strong winds caused the roof on the Stadium Court to be closed.

The 33-year-old Federer let off a huge roar and threw both fists into the air after a battling Simon netted a return to hand the Swiss his fourth title of the year and the 81st of his career.

“Well, it just makes me very happy winning here because this tournament means a lot to me,” Federer told reporters.

“I’ve always enjoyed coming here. I’ve come close a couple of times, but I’ve always wanted to win it as a Masters 1000.

“I feel unbelievable prestige to win this event. Especially putting my hands on the trophy for the first time is a good feeling, I must say. I’m very happy with the way I’m playing.”

Federer, who will move above Rafa Nadal into second spot in the world rankings when they are updated today, has now won seven of the nine different Masters Series events with only the clay court Monte Carlo and Rome tournaments eluding him.

Japan Open: Final – Stosur bt Diyas 7-6 6-3.