World number eight Roger Federer opened his campaign for a sixth Dubai Tennis Championships title on Monday with a straight sets 6-1, 6-4 win over Benjamin Becker of Germany. The win increased Federer’s record in the event to 38-5. Federer is now 4-0 against the 90th-ranked German.
“I’m extremely happy with today’s match,” said Federer. “Coming out and playing free tennis like that right off the bat is a good feeling. I know probably Benjamin has been doing a lot of travelling back and forth, Australia, Europe, America, back to Dubai, back for Indian Wells and Miami, but you’ve got to take advantage of that. I have been here for some time. I had a good preparation. I’m happy it paid off thus far.”
Federer, 32, won the Dubai crown in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2012. The Swiss tennis superstar is seeking his first ATP tour title of the season but came close in his past two outings – reaching the final of Brisbane International and the semifinals of the Australian Open last month.
