Roger Federer wrapped up his season with an easy win over James Blake in an exhibition match here Thursday before turning his thoughts to getting his 2009 season off to a flying start.

Federer, who also beat Blake in a one-set clash in Kuala Lumpur earlier this week, showcased his full shot-making repertoire in a 6-4, 6-4 win in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

The Swiss broke Blake once in each set to cruise to a comfortable victory over the 10th-ranked American, who ended Federer's bid for singles gold at the Beijing Olympics.

World number two Federer, hampered by a back strain and stomach bug at last week's season-ending Masters Cup, said: "I've actually been feeling better and better even though I got a little sick again at the beginning of the week.

"But I felt like my body has been recovering since the last match against (Andy) Murray."

Federer, who has 13 Grand Slams -- just one behind American Pete Sampras's record -- said he was looking forward to a break before gearing up for the new season and January's Australian Open.

"The season starts early. You have got to be ready. You don't have like a month to feel your way into the year. You will be judged right at the end of January.

"Some predict sometimes stupid things, that the season won't be good if you don't win the Australian Open. That's a little bit unfair. I definitely have high hopes. I've been very successful at the Australian Open."

On the same bill Thursday, Bjorn Borg gained revenge over former arch-rival John McEnroe, winning their one-set clash 7-6 after the American beat the Swede earlier in the week in Kuala Lumpur.

The pace of the game was several notches slower than the Federer-Blake clash as the two, both sporting grey hair, again took a trip down memory lane, revisiting their bitter rivalry typified by the 1980 Wimbledon final won by Borg in five gruelling sets.

It did not take McEnroe long to indulge in his familiar antics, expressing mock anger at a line call after just two points and later smashing his racket into the net.

Borg, 52, played some impressive passing shots against the 49-year-old McEnroe, who showed a willingness to get close to the net.

"Every time I play John it's a special moment. We had such a great rivalry over the years," Borg said on court after his win.

Federer then teamed up with Borg to play against McEnroe and Blake in a ten-point doubles tie-breaker that featured players who have won 31 Grand Slam titles between them.

AFP

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