Federer beats Djokovic to win seventh Dubai title

Roger Federer defeated Novak Djokovic to win a seventh title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

It was the pair’s 37th meeting and Federer extended his winning record over the world number one to 20-17 after withstanding a lot of pressure in the second set to triumph 6-3 7-5.

Federer, who beat Djokovic in the semi-finals on his way to the title in Dubai 12 months ago, broke through in the eighth game and served out the first set.

His serve was to prove the crucial factor as Djokovic threatened to level the match.

After saving break points in the eighth game of the second set, Federer saved two set points at 4-5 and then took just his second break point of the match to leave himself serving for the match.

Djokovic had one more chance but Federer refused to buckle and clinched the 84th title of his career.

The 33-year-old Swiss has now won seven titles at three separate tournaments, adding Dubai to Wimbledon and Halle.