Roger Federer has admitted that he refused to play cautiously during his first-round win over Mikhail Youzhny at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

The Swiss got the defence of his title underway on Monday with a 6-3 6-1 victory against the Russian.

"I think it was close in that first set." Federer is quoted as saying by the ATP's official website. "I think we were both trying to find our range. I'm happy I didn't start to play too careful after it, because it is tough to play here in Dubai with the quick conditions.

"After that, I think I started to return much better. Serve got a bit more consistent. My half-volleys were getting better. I was able to get the set and the break, and then that's when you can bring it home."

Federer will meet either Fernando Verdasco or Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in the second round of the tournament.