DOHA – Roger Federer hammered out his determination to hang on to his Australian Open title when he brushed aside Nikolay Davydenko to regain the Qatar Open crown on Saturday.
Last year the Russian beat the Swiss master on the way to the title.
This time world number two Federer overwhelmed the defending champion, who had put out top seed Rafael Nadal in Friday’s semi-finals, 6-3, 6-4 to complete the capture of the trophy without dropping a set. He was assertive, consistent, and very intent on taking his 67th career title and third in Doha.
“It feels fantastic,” said Federer.
“I have had a good week. I really appreciate the support I get here. I have had good preparation. I can’t believe that I am on the board already this year.”
UNFIT NADAL DELAYS
MELBOURNE TRIP: Rafael Nadal will delay travelling to Australia for the first Grand Slam event of the 2011 season because of the illness which contributed to his shock defeat in the Qatar Open on Friday. Nadal will hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time for the first time if he deposes Roger Federer in the Melbourne event starting in nine days’ time, but his preparation has been forced into sudden last-moment changes. The world number one from Spain will remain in Doha for at least two more days in an attempt to rid himself of the fever that has troubled him here since the start of the week. Nadal felt so unwell during a 6-3, 6-2 loss to Nikolay Davydenko, the Russian who is ranked outside the top 20, that he almost quit halfway through their semi-final.
