Novak Djokovic's Dubai win proves he's still raising the bar, says Barry Cowan
Saturday 2 March 2013 19:15, UK
Image:Novak Djokovic: "It was never going to be an easy final," admitted the World No 1
Novak Djokovic proved the strength of his mettle once again as he beat Tomas Berdych 7-5 6-3 to clinch his fourth Dubai Championship title in five years, says Barry Cowan.
Third seed Berdych booked his place in the final by beating defending champion Roger Federer in the semi-finals, saving three match points en route to a 3-6 7-6 6-4 victory.
Federer has opted to play in Indian Wells but not Miami this year - a decision that, in Cowan's view, could force the Swiss to alter his plans dramatically should he be short of form.
"What he doesn't want to do is lose early in Indian Wells, feel undercooked and change his schedule and feel that he needs to play in Monte Carlo because he hasn't played enough matches.
"In Federer's mind he's resolved to take a couple of months off so that he is firing on all cylinders come Wimbledon and the American hardcourt season going into the US Open.
"Those two Grand Slams are his best chances now to win - it's so difficult for him at the Australian and French."
Watch live coverage of the Indian Wells Masters from 9pm on Sky Sports 4 HD on Saturday March 9.
