Federer was presented with a trophy and a cake before the match

The Swiss master struggled to get into his stride in the first round of the Dubai Open, and only won the opening set on a tie-break.

Denmark's Pless fought back to level, but Federer gained his only break in the third to win 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3.

Number four seed Tommy Robredo lost 6-7 (6-8) 4-6 to France's Fabrice Santoro.

However, unlike the Spaniard, Federer was able to dig deep as he celebrated beating Jimmy Connors' 30-year-old record as the longest reigning top-ranked player with victory.

The guy (Pless) played well, and I am just happy I am through. It's the first set of the year I have lost Roger Federer

Having held the position for 161 consecutive weeks, Federer was presented with a Waterford crystal vase, a traditional silver Arabian dagger, an honourary life time membership of the Dubai Aviation Club, and a large cake before the match.

But he did not feel that distracted him ahead of the tie, which lasted just 90 minutes, saying: "It's a great day. I slept in and everything, and got nice presents.

"It was the usual Dubai first round. It's always rough here for some reason. The court is so quick and there were just no rallies.

"I didn't want to get frustrated especially after not getting competitive matches for one month. I wasn't really nervous at all. I was just looking to get my reactions going.

"But the guy (Pless) played well, and I am just happy I am through. It's the first set of the year I have lost."