Shanghai: Roger Federer edged a resilient Gilles Simon of France 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-2) to win the Shanghai Masters and claim the 81st title of his career yesterday.


Switzerland's Roger Federer poses with the Shanghai Masters trophy. The Swiss ace beat Gilles Simon 7-6, 7-6 in the final yesterday. Pic/AFP 

The 17-time Grand Slam winner had blown away World No 1 Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals but he found a stubborn opponent in Simon at Shanghai's Qizhong Tennis Centre.