World number one Roger Federer capped another breathtaking season with his fourth Tennis Masters Cup title in five years after making brief work of the sixth-ranked Spaniard David Ferrer in straight sets on Sunday. 
 

Switzerland's Roger Federer holds up his trophy after beating David Ferrer of Spain in the final of 2007 ATP Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai, east China, November 18, 2007. Federer beat Ferrer 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.

Playing before a capacity crowd at the noisy Qizhong Tennis Stadium and under the backdrop of the sound of Swiss cow bells and Spanish trumpet, a staid Federer improved his unbeaten record against Ferrer to win 8-0.

"He (Federer) played better than me and I think he is the best in history. His serve, volley and slice got me a hard time, it is difficult to play against him," said the 25-year-old Ferrer, who also enjoyed the best season ever in his career.

"But I feel happy about the week because I am playing a very, very good level, and plus this is my first Masters Cup final in Shanghai. I am also happy that my family is staying here with me."

The Masters Cup stalwart, having already won the finale in 2003, 2004 and 2006, destroyed debutant Ferrer 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 - all in only one hour and 37 minutes.

The in-form Ferrer never really tested Federer, who seemed to be in a class of his own, needing only 62 minutes to wrap up the first two sets.

Three break points in the first game of the third were the hardest moment for the Swiss, who later fended off all of them. After that, Federer never looked back and sealed the victory with his forehand.

The winning final earned Federer 650 ranking points and US$1.2 million in prize money, making him the first player in history to win more than 10 million in a season. Federer was also awarded a new Mercedes CLS 500.

Federer has enjoyed another top season, ending his fourth consecutive year as the No. 1 player in the world and reeling in seven titles in 2007. Among those titles are three of the four Grand Slam trophies, with only the Roland Garros crown missing.

Sampras finished year-ending No. 1 a record six consecutive times.

Switzerland's Roger Federer celebrates after beating David Ferrer of Spain in the final of 2007 ATP Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 18, 2007. Federer beat Ferrer 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.

Switzerland's Roger Federer returns the ball during the match against David Ferrer of Spain in the final of 2007 ATP Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 18, 2007. Federer beat Ferrer 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.

(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2007)