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March 9, 2004
Federer: I feel stronger than ever
By Alaric Gomes, Gulf News
One year back, and a similar opponent, and Roger Federer would never have been able to achieve what he has done by putting himself in the history books of the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open late on Sunday.
"I don't remember ever having done this in my career," the World's No.1 and top seed said here, after successfully defending his title against Spain's Feliciano Lopez in three sets 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.
"This only shows how far I've come and how much I've toughened up within one year," Federer smiled.
And as the champion rightly put it, victory was not easy to come in front of a jam-packed stadium of nearly 6,000 spectators at the Dubai Tennis Stadium.
Federer started under the most trying circumstances, losing his serve in the opening game to go down to a highly-charged Spanish opponent, who was seeking his first ever singles title on the ATP Tour.
"Feliciano did not have anything to lose," Federer stated.
"So he just gave it all he had. If this had happened a year back, maybe I would not have been able to take it. I knew it was just a matter of time when I would have a hold on the match," Federer said.
The top seed did not have to wait for long as two quick breaks in the second gave him the set 6-1 in just 24 minutes. The third too went the same way as Federer clinched the set and the match 6-2.
"Feliciano was playing very well. Playing a left-hander is never easy. And to make things worse for me, Feliciano has got a huge serve and a spin that kept me down for a major part of the first set," Federer stated.
Sunday was the third time the two players were meeting each other on the ATP Tour. And the record presently stands at 3-0 in favour of the world's best player.
"He plays steady. And I knew from the start that it was not going to be easy," said Federer. The world champion also knew that the Spaniard was seeking his first-ever title.
"He played unbelievably well in the first set. He had a fantastic touch, great power and some sizzling serves. But from the middle of the second set, I knew I was there. It's unfortunate that Feliciano had to meet me as he aimed for his first title on tour," Federer shrugged.
Having said that, Federer was off Sunday night itself for Los Angeles to give himself time to prepare for tougher trials on the US circuit.
"The US circuit will be a tough schedule, but I have high expectations from myself," Federer stated.
The World No.1 first heads to Indian Wells for the Pacific Life Open followed by the Nasdaq-100 Open in Miami two weeks later.
"Maybe I can win the title in Miami. But I've never won in Indian Wells. The field is tough there with Safin, Hewitt and Roddick participating. It doesn't mean I will be winning all the time. But I know that I am not the same player I was one year back," Federer smiled.
The Dubai tournament has also acted as a great teacher for the world's best player.
"I've gained so much of experience through this week. I saw how I was not up to the mark during my first two games. But as the tournament progressed, I was finding my game with each passing round. And I've had some serious fun off the court too," he smiled.
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