Switzerland's Roger Federer described his Masters Series victory over Russia's Marat Safin as "definitely the best match" of his career.

The number 11 seed took the Hamburg title in straight sets, winning his first clay court title 6-1 6-3 6-4 in just over two hours.

It was his third career ATP title, and second of the year following his victory in Sydney in January.

"It's very special for me," said Federer, who also reached the final of the Nasdaq-100 Open in Miami, the second Masters event of the year.

"I thought it would be much tougher, but I played unbelievable tennis. I could risk a lot and the balls went in it was just incredible."

After breaking Safin's serve in the fourth game of the match, Federer always looked in control from the baseline.

Full of confidence after superb victories over Nicolas Lapentti and second seed Gustavo Kuerten in earlier rounds, Federer's free-flowing game was too good for Safin.

Federer said: "It's one of those matches when everything went my way. I always had the feeling I could break him. It's definitely the best match in my career." Having struggled earlier in the clay court season, just one victory on the surface before arriving in Hamburg, Federer had few expectations this week.

He added: "I didn't expect to do so well here. I played badly here the last two years, lost first round, and didn't play well in Monte Carlo or Rome."

For Safin, who lost to Kuerten here two years ago, he could not raise his game enough to halt his opponent's charge.

He said: "I didn't play very well today. I couldn't play the tennis I wanted to, I didn't feel good on the court and didn't serve well.

"I think he probably played the best match of his life."

But the Russian, who also reached the Australian Open final in January, took some comfort in reaching the summit of the 2002 Champions Race thanks to his fine week.

Safin's victory over the injured Tommy Robredo in the semis was enough to take him into first position.

He said: "You always work hard to get to the first spot, especially being there at the beginning of the season.

"I've had some good results so far; I was in the finals in Australia, then the quarter-finals in Miami and Monte Carlo, and now the final here.

"It's good. I would be satisfied to do the same for the rest of the season."