Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer in Dubai final

After taking Federer's Aus Open title, Djokovic continues to dominate the Swiss ace, defeating him 6-3, 6-3 in the Dubai Open final

Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer in Dubai final

After taking Federer's Aus Open title, Djokovic continues to dominate the Swiss ace, defeating him 6-3, 6-3 in the Dubai Open final

Novak Djokovic, who took away Roger Federer's Australian Open title last month, beat him in straight sets again to prevent the former World No 1 from regaining the Dubai Open title here on Saturday.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns to Swiss Roger Federer during the Dubai Open final on Saturday. Djokovic won 6-3, 6-3. PIC/AFP

The second-seeded Serbian won with something to spare by 6-3, 6-3, out playing the top-seeded Swiss maestro in the first set and recovering from 1-3 down in the second as Federer had constant problems with his timing and rhythm off the ground.

It gained Djokovic his third successive title at the $1,600,000 event, and suggested that he has every chance of leapfrogging Federer next month into the World No 2 ranking.

"Any time I win against Roger Federer it's a great success," Djokovic said. "I guess I rose to the occasion. I was aware of the challenge expected of me, and I was aware I needed to be at the top of my game.

"I am a different player from last year. I have this feeling in my head, and it's really important for me to know I can perform this well."

Federer said: "I have had a lot of success her, but it wasn't the night for me. I had a difficult start and Novak played solid all the way through. But for me it was still a great tournament."

Djokovic had his tactics well worked out ufffd directing a higher proportion of his attacks to the backhand, and mixing athletic containment with fiercely angled counter-attacks which threatened to spread Federer. ufffd

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