World number one Roger Federer claimed his first title of 2006 by defeating highly promising French youngster Gael Monfils to retain his Qatar Open crown. Despite losing in straight sets the 19-year-old Monfils had his moments and won the first three games before slipping to a 6-3 7-6 (7-5) defeat.
"I knew that all it takes is the chance of one big win for a young player to break through," said Federer.
"So I knew that this was a dangerous match," added the world number one.
Federer struggled with an ankle injury towards the end of 2005 but moved freely throughout the match.
 |  I've been too nervous in my previous finals and didn't enjoy them |
He hit his inside-out forehand deceptively hard and also came into the net more than usual on his way to the 34th title of his career. "I couldn't have had a better start to the season," he added. "I am really excited especially after the trouble with my foot. It really showed I am over it, I really think that."
It was Federer's 45th successive win on hard courts, the surface on which he will try to regain the Australian Open title.
The first Grand Slam tournament of the year begins in Melbourne in a week's time.
Monfils had an unorthodox preparation for the final which included performing with a belly dancer at the official dinner.
"I've been too nervous in my previous finals and didn't enjoy them," said the extrovert Parisian.
"If I was going to play better I thought it was best to try to be more relaxed and enjoy myself this time."
MMIX
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