Andy Murray's bid to retain the Qatar Open title got off to a solid start as he put in a workmanlike performance to beat Spain's Albert Montanes 6-2 6-4 in the first round of the tournament.

Roger Federer's 2009 began as his 2008 ended, with defeat to Andy Murray, but the former world No 1 believes he can dominate again this year.

Former No 1 Roger Federer believes he can dominate men's tennis again.

The tide has barely turned to signal the start of a new campaign but Andy Murray is already riding the crest of a wave. The international tennis season officially opened yesterday but by that time the 21-year-old Scot had already registered victories over the world's two best players.

It may have been only an exhibition tournament, but Andy Murray could hardly have made a better start to what he hopes will be a momentous year. Having beaten Roger Federer, the world No 2, in Friday's semi-finals at the so-called "World Tennis Championship" in Abu Dhabi, Murray went on to beat the No 1, Rafael Nadal, 6-4 5-7 6-3 in yesterday's final.