Federer wins Qatar Open

DOHA: World No. 2 Roger Federer began his season in formidable fashion by defeating holder Nikolay Davydenko 6-3, 6-4 to win the Qatar Open on Saturday.

The 16-times grand slam champion proved too much for his Russian opponent, claiming a break of serve in each set to complete victory under the floodlights at the Khalifa Tennis Complex in central Doha.

At Brisbane, Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic beat Germany's Andrea Petkovic 6-1, 6-3 to win the women's Brisbane International tennis title .

The 20-year-old Kvitova claimed the second tournament of her career with the 71-minute win, adding to the title she won in Hobart in 2009.

Top seed Robin Soderling will take on second-ranked Andy Roddick in the final of the Brisbane International.

Soderling beat Radek Stepanek 6-3, 7-5 in the first semifinal, before defending champion Roddick overcame South African Kevin Anderson 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 in the second.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Greta Arn beat Yanina Wickmayer 6-3, 6-3 in the final of the Auckland Classic.

The results: At Brisbane (Brisbane International): Men: Semifinals: Andy Roddick bt Kevin Anderson 6-2, 4-6, 6-2; Robin Soderling bt Radek Stepanek 6-3, 7-5.

Women: Final: Petra Kvitova bt Andrea Petkovic 6-1, 6-3.

At Doha (Qatar Open): Final: Roger Federer bt Nikolay Davydenko 6-3, 6-4; Semifinals: Nikolay Davydenko bt Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2.At Auckland: (WTA Auckland Classic): Final: Greta Arn def Yanina Wickmayer 6-3, 6-3 . — Agencies