Newz Forum: OTHER: TENNIS: Federer defeats Roddick - wins Kooyong final

Roger Federer of Switzerland confirmed his status as the world's No.1 tennis player here today with a straight sets victory over Andy Roddick of the United States in the final of the Kooyong Classic.

Federer won 6-4 7-5 setting the stage for a repeat confrontation in the Australian Open final in a fortnight. Federer and Roddick are seeded to play off for the first grand slam title of the year, and on today's form, the trophy should again be heading to Switzerland.

With four grand slam crowns already in his possession and as reigning champion in three of them, Federer will begin the Australian Open as one of the shortest priced favourites in the events 100 year history.

While today's match had little more than bragging rights at stake, both players appeared to treat as much more than a practice for the real thing. Federer had to fight out every point in the first set and Roddick saved five championship points in the second.

But the class and style of the Swiss overcame the brute force of the American, as it has done in all but one of the previous nine matches.

Associated Press