Swiss maestro targets new year cheer with capital crown

Roger Federer is keen to go one step further at this month's Capitala World Tennis Championship, after the world No1 was ousted at the semi-final stage by Andy Murray last year.

Federer forms part of a stellar six-strong line-up for the second edition of the Abu Dhabi event, with Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Nikolay Davydenko, Robin Söderling and Stanislas Wawrinka in action at Zayed Sports City's International Tennis Complex from December 31 to January 2.

"I loved playing in Abu Dhabi last year for the first time and I was really disappointed to have lost in the semi-finals," said Federer, who was defeated 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 by Murray in the capital.

"The atmosphere in the stadium and the overall response and support from the public was wonderful and I would truly love to go a step further this time around and win the title."

Federer enjoyed an impressive 2009, winning the French Open before his victory at Wimbledon meant he surpassed Pete Sampras' Grand Slam record of 14.

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