Djokovic beats Federer for Dubai title

DUBAI, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Defending champion Novak Djokovic won his third consecutive title at the Dubai championships when he defeated top seed Roger Federer 6-3 6-3 in just 71 minutes on Saturday.

It is the 20th title of his career and his second of the year after the Australian Open in January.

The second seeded Serbian is the only player apart from four-time champion Federer to have won the title three times, following Federer victories in 2003-5 and 2007.

He has now won 15 straight matches in Dubai and is enjoying a career-best 14-match winning streak dating back to December’s Davis Cup final.

“I guess I rose to the occasion,” Djokovic told reporters. “I was aware of the challenge waiting for me on the court and I was aware of the fact that I needed to be on top of my game in order to beat Roger.”

Federer looked the weaker player from the start and Djokovic surrendered just four points on serve in the opening set. Djokovic was also aggressive from the baseline and he swiftly earned the first break of serve to lead 2-1 when Federer mis-hit a backhand wide.

Djokovic continued to pile on the pressure as Federer struggled to find a rhythm and he held two break points for a 4-1 lead. Although Federer held him off in that game, Djokovic broke again for the set when he forced Federer to net a backhand.

Zvonareva stuns number one Wozniacki to win Qatar title

DOHA, Feb 26 (Reuters) - World number three Vera Zvonareva swept past top ranked Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-4 to land her first title in over a year at the Qatar Ladies Open on Saturday.

The Russian surprised even herself after suffering shock defeats in her previous two tournaments, losing to Daniela Hantuchova in the semifinals at Pattaya City and Alisa Kleybanova in Dubai.

Despite playing three-set matches in the quarter and semi-finals, Zvonareva showed no signs of fatigue against an opponent who had not previously dropped a set.

Zvonareva broke in the third game and held her serve to take the first set and came back from a break down as she wrapped up the match.

“This is definitely a special moment for me, especially after that tough match against Daniela (Hantuchova) and another great one against Jelena (Jankovic),” said Zvonareva on the WTA website (www.wtatour.com).



“Coming into this tournament I wasn’t expecting to end my week like this. It’s great,” she added after clinching her 11th tour title.



World number one Wozniacki had no complaints. “I’m always disappointed to lose but I played a great competitor today,” said the Dane, winner in Dubai last week.