It was a seamless game for Roger Federer that ended with his first title for 2011, after defeating Nikolay Davydenko on Saturday in a match that lasted 79 minutes. The win also makes him the first three-time winner in Doha. Previous wins were in 2005 and 2006.
“It is a great start to the new season,” Federer remarked after the win. “I felt great all week here. I controlled the game from the first set and did well in the second, too.”
The win is a sore loss for Davydenko, whose chances looked promising after he beat Rafael Nadal in the semis. He also did not drop a set coming in to the final, and was on his way to beating both Nadal and Federer in the same tournament for the third time. He previously won in Doha one year ago and in the ATP finals in 2009. However, it was clear that he was overmatched in the finals, especially since Federer was on top of his game.
“I was flawless today,” Federer said. “I have served well all week. If I keep playing like this, I have a chance (to be No. 1). I got many good matches here and in Abu Dhabi.”
