Federer's streak reaches 41 matches

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 3 (UPI) -- Roger Federer extended his amazing winning streak to 41 matches Saturday by winning the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Federer defeated Mikhail Youzhny 6-4, 6-3 to win his seventh consecutive tournament. He is 12-0 this year, a stretch that includes the Australian Open.

His last setback came in the second round of the Masters Series tournament in Cincinnati last August.

Federer has equaled Bjorn Borg for the fourth longest winning streak in professional tennis history. John McEnroe is third on the list with 42, Ivan Lendl is second at 44 and the record is 46, established by Guillermo Vilas in 1977.

"It's nice to equal such great champions," Federer said. "I hope I can keep that streak going."

Saturday's title was Federer's fourth triumph in Dubai and the 47th of his career. Youzhny had won nine matches in a row coming into his meeting with Federer.