DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 2 (UPI) -- Roger Federer outlasted Marat Safin, 7-6, (7-2), 7-6 (7-4), on Tuesday in the first round of the $1 million Dubai Tennis Championships.
The world No. 1, Federer won his second career Grand Slam title at the Australian Open on Feb. 1 when he defeated Safin in straight sets.
Federer improved to 5-1 lifetime against Safin, who missed much of 2003 with a wrist injury.
Safin, who accepted a wild card into the tournament, was unseeded despite reaching the Melbourne final. The 24-year-old Russian is ranked 30th after finishing the season among the top three in 2000 and 2002. He has won just one of four matches since the Australian Open.
Three seeded players lost Monday and two more exited Tuesday. Mikhail Youzhny of Russia rallied past No. 2 Guillermo Coria, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Finland's Jarkko Nieminen eliminated fourth seed David Nalbandian of Argentina, 6-3, 6-3.
