January 3, 2005: Roger Federer destroys David Ferrer in Doha in 58 minutes
Roger Federer had finished the 2004 season with a 74-6 score, winning 11 titles and becoming world number 1 in February after winning his first Australian Open. 10 months later, he was the reigning Wimbledon, US Open and Masters Cup champion as well, playing just two tournaments after New York but completing the year in style after defending the Masters Cup title in Houston. A year later, Roger had confirmed himself as the leader of the pack once again, repeating those 11 titles and winning 81 out of 85 matches to stay ahead of his closest rival Rafael Nadal in what had been one of the best seasons of the Open era.
It all started on January 3 when Roger toppled David Ferrer 6-1 6-1 in 58 minutes in the first round of Doha, never facing a break point and stealing almost 60% of the return points to create seven break points and convert five for a commanding win over world number 49 who was far from the best tennis he will show in the years to come. The start of the match wasn't that promising for Roger who had to survive three deuces before he got his name on the scoreboard and avoid further troubles against a solid returner.
Things looked much better for the world no. 1 in game two when he earned a break at love after a backhand down the line winner, overcoming another deuce in the third game to cement the lead and move 3-0 up. David held in the next game with a backhand cross court winner but he suffered another break in game six after a volley winner from Federer who was now serving for the set. The Swiss delivered another fine hold with a volley winner to secure the opening set, dominating with his initial shot and forehand and making a lot of damage on the return, certainly a plan to stick to in set number two as well. Ferrer held at the start of the set and he reached a deuce on the return in the following game before a service winner that brought the game home for Roger.
The Spaniard sprayed a forehand error to get broken in game three and he sent another routine backhand wide to send Roger further in front. Federer's aggression was too tough to handle for Ferrer and he gave his serve away in the fifth game as well, moving Roger closer to the finish line. The Swiss held in game six after forcing an error from his rival and he sealed the deal with another break a few minutes later for the strongest possible start of the season and to set the tone for the rest of the year as well.
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2C14P50
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