Federer wins Qatar Open again
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-08 13:38

Roger Federer won the Qatar Open for the second straight year Saturday, beating French teenager Gael Monfils 6-3, 7-6 (5) in the final.

World number one Switzerland's Roger Federer holds the golden Falcon trophy after beating France's Gael Monfils in their Qatar Open final tennis match in Doha, Qatar, Saturday Jan. 7, 2006.[AP]

Federer became the first player to win consecutive titles in Doha since Stefan Edberg in 1994 and 1995.

"It's a beautiful start to the year, winning a tournament without dropping a set," Federer said. "It also shows that the ankle problem I had toward the end of the last season is behind me."

This was Federer's fifth title in the Middle East — he also won three straight Dubai Opens (2003-05). The top-ranked Swiss extended his hardcourt winning streak to 45 matches. The Qatar Open was his 43rd career final, of which he has won 34.

"Playing against someone like Roger Federer is not easy," Monfils said. "I had my chance today, but I guess I made a lot of errors. But I have no complaints."

Federer said he had trouble at first judging the Frenchman's serve.

"He has the potential to be in the top 10," Federer said. "But it's a tough task and he needs to work hard and be consistent, at least reaching the semifinals of some Grand Slam events."

"Some of his shots I would say were teasers," he added. "You have to pick the right shots when you come in because he moves really fast and hits good passing shots."

Monfils played with plenty of heart. He broke Federer in the first game and held serve to lead 2-0. But Federer broke back in the sixth and eighth games to go up 5-3. Federer then held to close the set.

In the second set, Federer led 40-15 in the seventh game but couldn't finish it off as Monfils forced deuce with inspired play. Monfils then delivered an ace and a lob to win the game and lead 4-3.

In the 11th game, Federer again had a chance to go a break up after leading 40-30, but Monfils ripped an ace to go ahead 6-5. Federer then capitalized on errors to win his next service game, forcing a tiebreaker.

Monfils' powerful serve forced an error by Federer in the tiebreaker. A few more mistakes by the Swiss allowed Monfils to lead 5-3, but the defending champion responded and evened the score. A smash from near the net sent Federer up 6-5, and he completed the match with a stinging forehand.