World number one Roger Federer [Images] completed the perfect preparation for the defence of his Australian Open [Images] title next week when he beat Andy Roddick [Images] 6-4, 7-5 to win the Kooyong Classic on Saturday.
Roddick, the world number two, hammered down nine aces but one break of serve in each set was enough to give Federer his ninth win over the American in 10 meetings.
"I had a great time this week and I think it's a great preparation (for the Australian Open)," Federer told the crowd.
"You saw it last year and what happened (at Melbourne Park), so I hope I can repeat it, even though I know there are a lot of great players there."
Federer, who began the year by winning in Qatar last weekend, broke Roddick in the fifth game and went on to take the first set in 26 minutes.
Roddick called for the trainer early in the second set after suffering pain in his right ankle.
But, after deciding to play on, he upped his performance to match Federer until a netted forehand handed the Swiss the break in the 11th game.
Federer, who won three of the four Grand Slams in 2004, then served out to love to seal victory in one hour six minutes.
© Copyright 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
|