Roger Federer has admitted that 'winning the big points' proved to be important as he beat Novak Djokovic to defend his Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship.
The Swiss saved all seven break points against him while Djokovic squandered set points for the second as Federer recorded a 6-3 7-5 victory this afternoon.
However, the 17-time Grand Slam champion has suggested that the latest instalment of his "special" rivalry against the world number one could have finished differently.
"Playing against Novak is always special. I think we get the best out of each other," Federer told reporters.
"I definitely won the big points tonight so I am pleased I came up with some good serves."
The victory secured Federer the seventh Dubai title of his career.