Small decisions have made Federer a better player

Dubai: It's the small things that have made the difference to former world No. 1 Roger Federer, who won his record fifth title at the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open before a packed Dubai Tennis Stadium here late on Saturday.

Things like staying a bit more aggressive, taking on-court risks at the right time and even backing off from tournaments when his body seeks rest have all contributed to making Federer what he is today.

"It's great. There is no substitute to confidence. I've played great. It's not just that I've taken my chances, I really thought I played a good tournament here. I played a great tournament in Rotterdam as well," Federer told media at the post-match conference after beating Andy Murray 7-5, 6-4 in the Dubai final.

Federer refused to believe that it would have been better had his win come against top seed and world number one Djokovic, who was beaten by Murray in the semi-finals. "This is perfect. Any title is a good one, I'll tell you that. I have a losing record against Murray I believe and not against Novak. So I've actually struggled more against Murray in the past. So maybe this victory, I don't want to say means more to me, but it's a beautiful victory," Federer said.

"I'm very happy with my win this week, in particular against Murray.

"This tournament is really tough, with eight of the top ten players coming here, but I didn't drop a set. So to win the tournament this way is a very, very nice feeling."

The key for Federer, by his own admission, is his health and the way in which he conserves his energy on the demanding ATP World Tour, while taking in at least 20 tournaments through the season.

"Health clearly has to be there with the amount of matches I've played, because I've played a full schedule. I played a lot of tennis. I think the six weeks I took off after the Davis Cup and the US Open were necessary if I wanted to play that much and that successfully," he said.

"So that was a good decision. Obviously I'm still sad I didn't go to Shanghai last year because it's such a wonderful tournament. But in hindsight, maybe it was the right thing to do."

And it is these small decisions that have helped the winner of 16 Grand Slams become a more compact player. "I think I was just confident. I was playing aggressive, I was focused, I didn't doubt my ability. I'm defending much better than maybe I was in the middle of last year, where I felt like I couldn't come out of tough defensive positions anymore. I was able to turn it around," Federer said.

"It started midway through the French Open and then through Wimbledon, even though I ended up losing. I felt like my game was very good. That proved I was heading in the right direction, now I just have to keep it up. All this gives me hope that I can carry it over to Indian Wells and Miami.

"Obviously the more you play, the more chances you can give yourself and Dubai has been one of the tournaments I had a rocky start to. I was criticised for not giving the best effort when I lost to Rainer Schuettler here [in 2002]. That was tough for me because I was in the second round in singles and doubles. So for me to come back and win the tournament and win so often now is a beautiful thing. This tournament here has definitely got a special place in my heart."