World number one Roger Federer is eagerly looking forward to the challenge of winning his third consecutive Dubai Tennis Championships title next week.
The Wimbledon and US Open champion lifted the trophy last year after coming through a tense and thrilling three-set final against rising Spanish star Feliciano Lopez, who later went on to win his first career title in Vienna.
First, Federer had to come through the most difficult opening round imaginable, defeating former number one Marat Safin in a replay of their recent Australian Open final as he edged through in two tie-breaks.
Federer's victory over Lopez followed his 2003 triumph, when he did not drop a set in the entire week on his way to victory over Jiri Novak in the final.
Whatever happens, Federer is happy to be back in Dubai once again.
"It's so well organised and you don't have to look far to find help," said Federer, who recently spent time in Dubai to prepare for his Australian Open campaign. "The site is nice, the centre court is good and the crowd is loud and that gives a good atmosphere.
"I love the country too. I enjoy the ceremony after the final. It's different and really special. There's a little bit of magic in the air, and I like that."
Tennis fans will be able to watch the master for themselves when play gets under way at the Dubai Tennis Stadium next Monday. Colm McLoughlin, the managing director of Dubai Duty Free, commented: "Roger has quickly become one of the superstars of the game and we are delighted he is coming back to Dubai to defend his title.
"Should he win his third consecutive Dubai Men's Open, Roger will create history and set a new precedent."
The Dubai Tennis Championships also features many other top stars. Marat Safin is back this time as the reigning Australian Open champion. Among other top challengers will be Andre Agassi, one of just two players in the Open era and the fifth of all time to win all four Grand Slams.
