Federer's power game destroys Safin

Roger Federer overwhelmed Marat Safin 6–1, 6–3, 6–4 here yesterday to capture the biggest title yet of his career by winning the Hamburg Masters Series.

The 20–year–old Swiss, one of the fast–rising stars of the game, played unbelievable tennis at the start of the match, allowing his 22–year–old Russian opponent only two of the first 13 games of the match.

Safin, US Open champion in 2000, will become the new leader in the Champions Race next week despite the loss. Federer will jump to the No 2 position, just one point behind Safin's 300.

Federer lost only one set during the week in winning his second title of the year. He was in his second Masters Series final of the season after losing to Andre Agassi in Miami.

"It's been an unbelievable tournament for me," said Federer, who was seeded 11th. "I played some really good tennis today. It was probably the best match of my career."

"I never thought I would a win a tournament on clay because I lost my first 11 matches on the tour on clay," he said.

Safin, who also lost the final here in 2000 to Gustavo Kuerten, is still without a title this year but has been having a strong season. "Roger was the better man on the court, no doubt about it," Safin said. "It's ridiculous being No. 1 and losing in three sets. It was a good match to see what I have to do better in future."

Safin was seeded sixth but had lost both previous matches against Federer and both on clay.

It was not until the end of the second set that Safin got a chance of getting back into it. He broke Federer's serve for the first time to cut the deficit to 5–3 – after Federer had wasted a set point at 5–1.

But Safin's revival was short–lived. He had a chance to win the next game as well, but hit a weak a volley that Federer turned into a cracking backhand winner for deuce. The Swiss then used his fourth set point to close the set.

Federer then staved off three break points in the opening game of the third, then broke Safin's serve for a 2–0 lead. Safin battled back to 2–2 and went 3–2 up, only to drop his serve again. "It was all over then," Safin said.

Holding double match point on Safin's serve, Federer netted a backhand. But Safin's next shot, a forehand, veered off the frame of his racket and Federer had his title after just over two hours.

The Hamburg tournament is one of the nine Masters Series, events that rank just below the Grand Slams. Previously known as the German Open, it is also a major warmup for the French Open, the only Grand Slam to be played on clay. It starts in one week.

Federer collected $372,0000 for his victory, Safin earned $196,000.