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DOHA, Jan 8: World number one Roger Federer believes he has recovered from the crippling foot injury which decimated the end of his 2005 season as he set his sights on confirming his place as the world’s greatest player in 2006. The Swiss star successfully defended his Qatar Open title with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) win over French teenager Gael Monfils to wrap up his 34th career crown on Sunday and then insisted he was feeling fine on court.
The reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion damaged his foot in practice in the autumn and was on crutches in the run-up to Masters Cup in Shanghai.
The injury proved a barrier in his defence of the title where he was beaten in the final by David Nalbandian.
Kuznetsova advances
MELBOURNE: Svetlana Kuznetsova overcame a dogged Shinobu Asagoe 6-1 5-7 7-5 on Sunday to advance to the second round of the Sydney International tennis tournament.
Serbia and Montenegro’s Ana Ivanovic also moved through with a 6-2 6-4 win over China’s Shuai Peng and will now meet Amelie Mauresmo.
Results:
Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) bt Shinobu Asagoe (Japan) 6-1 5-7 7-5;Ana Ivanovic (Serbia and Montenegro) bt Shuai Peng (China) 6-2 6-4
Ljubicic, Moya in final
CHENNAI: World number nine and top seed Ivan Ljubicic reached the final of the Chennai Open with a 6-3 3-6 7-6 victory over Kristof Vliegen of Belgium on Sunday.
The Croat will meet twice defending champion Carlos Moya of Spain for the title later on Sunday. The semifinal resumed with Ljubicic leading 3-1 in the first set after play had been abandoned overnight due to rain.
Serra wins title
ADELAIDE: Frenchman Florent Serra claimed his second ATP Tour title with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Belgian Xavier Malisse in the Australian Hardcourt championship at Memorial Drive here on Sunday.
Serra, ranked 49, followed up his debut ATP title win in Bucharest last September to cap a great week. Just a year ago he had been playing in challenger events.—Agencies
