DUBAI, 8 March 2004 — World No. 1 Roger Federer became the first man to successfully defend the Dubai Open title when he defeated unseeded Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 in yesterday’s final.
The top seeded Swiss player claimed his second title of the year, after the Australian Open, and the 13th title of his career.
It also ensured that Federer would maintain a cushion of at least 400 points at the top of the world rankings over Juan Carlos Ferrero, and edge further ahead of the third-placed Andy Roddick, who lost in the semifinals in Scottsdale.
But Federer was given a tough time for a set and a half by the 22-year-old left-hander who was playing in the first ATP final of his career and could now reach the top 20 for the first time.The Wimbledon champion showed his growing maturity as he weathered a storm of tremendous attacking from Lopez, before taking control.
Spadea Stuns Roddick to Reach Scottsdale Final
In Scottsdale, Arizona, Vince Spadea served brilliantly on Saturday to stun top seed Andy Roddick 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 and reach the final of the Scottsdale Classic against Germany’s Nicolas Kiefer.
Kiefer fought back from a sluggish start to defeat Romanian Victor Hanescu 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 in the other semifinal.
Spadea managed to negate the power game of the world’s fastest server and wore Roddick down from the baseline.
“Maybe this will drive me. I’m very pissed off at myself right now, said the third-ranked Roddick, who only fired six aces and managed just 23 winners.
