Roger Federer has said that he was "extremely happy" with his performance during Monday's first-round win over Benjamin Becker at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The world number eight, who has won the tournament five times, cruised past the German world number 90 6-1 6-4.

He will now face either Radek Stepanek or Michael Russell for a place in the quarter-finals.

"I'm extremely happy with today's match," Federer is quoted as saying by the ATP's official website. "Coming out and playing free tennis like that right off the bat is a good feeling.

"I have been here for some time. I had a good preparation. I'm happy it paid off thus far."

Federer last won the Dubai title back in 2012.