Third title for Federer in Qatar

Written by: Staff on 9th January 2011

Third title for Federer in Qatar

Roger Federer (SUI) |

Swiss living legend Roger Federer grabbed his third Qatar ExxonMobil open title on Saturday after defeating title holder Nikolay Davydenko of Russian in two straight sets 6-3 6-4.

Saturday 8 Janaury was the last day at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2011. Only one match remained, the Men’s Singles Final.

The crowd was in for a treat, as it promised to be an exciting encounter between Roger Federer (SWI), world number two and winner of the championship in 2005/2006, and Nikolay Davydenko (RUS), defending champion and former world number three in the world. The match was also a repeat of last year’s semi-final, which Davydenko won 6-4 6-4. Federer, however, lead the head-to-head 14-2 going in to their 17th duel.

In front of over 7,000 spectators, Federer was able to break in Davydenko’s opening service game to take a 3-0 lead. The Russian was unable to force anything on the Swiss’ serve in the following games and soon had to save five set points on his own serve at 5-2. He was able to do so, taking the eighth game with a beautiful forehand down the line. Federer was able to close out the set on his own serve to take the set 6-3.

In the second set, both players were able to hold serve up until 4-All. Federer was the then able to break in the ninth game. Davydenko was never able to reach his top form and the Swiss was able to make the crucial break to lead 5-4. Federer was able to serve it out comfortably to capture the title 6-3 6-4.

The match was followed by an impressive closing ceremony. With a mix of a variety of music, tap dance, acrobatics and lights popping out all around the stadium, the crowd didn’t know where to look first. The perfect conclusion, to yet another successful tournament by the Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF).

The next international tournament by QTF is the Qatar Ladies Open. This will kick-off 21 February and will include superstars including Maria Sharapova, Justine Henin, Caroline Wozniacki, and many others!

To conclude the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2011, this is what both Davyenko and Federer had to say in their press conferences after the final.

Topics: Nikolay Davydenko, Roger Federer, Tennis