Roger Federer reaffirmed his status as world number one as he defeated Andy Roddick 6-4, 7-5 to win the Kooyong Classic tennis tournament in Melbourne on Saturday.

Roddick, the world number two, hit nine aces but one break of serve in each set was enough to give Federer his ninth win over the American in 10 meetings.

The 23-year-old Swiss, who beat Russian Marat Safin in the final of the Australian Open in 2004, said he was better prepared for the year's first grand slam event than ever before.

"I feel much much better coming into this Australian Open than last year," Federer said.

"It's different to last year because I got here with no coach and people were wondering how that would be. I put a lot more pressure on myself."

With Australian Tony Roche, who coached Ivan Lendl and Pat Rafter, now in his corner on a part-time basis, Federer is considered the hottest favorite to win at Melbourne Park, having won three of the four grand slam events in 2004.

After saving a break point in the fourth game, Federer broke in the fifth game on his way to the first set in 26 minutes.

Roddick called for the trainer early in the second set after suffering pain in his right ankle.

But, after deciding to play on, he came back to normal form to match Federer until a netted forehand handed the Swiss the break in the 11th game and he served out to love to clinch victory.

Roddick played down his ankle injury, saying he would be fit for next week.

"I am not too worried, it's not serious," Roddick said. "I just jammed it a little bit and could feel it but I think it was actually good to carry on."

"I am not going to request (a Tuesday start) but I wouldn't be opposed to it."

Briton Tim Henman outclassed Andre Agassi 6-3, 6-7, 7-5 in the playoff for third and fourth place.

Agassi was playing two days after withdrawing from his match against Roddick with a hip injury but the four-time Australian Open champion looked fitter as the contest went on.

Having forced the match into a decider, Agassi sent a backhand wide to hand Henman victory.