DOHA, Qatar, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Roger Federer opened the 2006 tennis season by beating Gael Monfils, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), Saturday in the title match of the Qatar Open at Doha.
The tournament's top seed claimed his 34th career ATP singles title and his second straight crown at Qatar to become the first player to win back-to-back crowns in Doha since Stefan Edberg in 1994-95.
Federer rose to 34-9 lifetime in Qatar finals and collected $142,000.
He was 81-4 in 2005 and captured 11 titles, including Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. His 24-match winning streak was broken by David Nalbandian at the Tennis Masters Cup in November.
"I knew that all it takes is the chance of one big win for a young player to break through," said Federer. "So I knew that this was a dangerous match."
Monfils, 19, the seventh seed in this event, dropped to 1-3 in finals.
