Richard Gasquet described himself as "the Federer of Nottingham" as he prepared for his meeting with the world number one at Wimbledon by claiming the title at the Red Letter Days Open.

Gasquet became the first player to win back-to-back titles in Nottingham's 12-year history, crushing veteran Swede Jonas Bjorkman 6-4 6-3 in 77 minutes in the final.

In doing so, Gasquet has at least given himself a shot of confidence ahead of his first-round meeting at Wimbledon with Federer on Monday.

The 20-year-old Frenchman will be first up on Centre Court against the three-time champion, representing a seemingly daunting prospect.

Gasquet is understandably pessimistic about his chances, although he took Federer to three sets in a grass-court event in Halle last week, and last year on clay at Monaco beat the 24-year-old Swiss.

Bjorkman feels if Gasquet is to beat Federer, then his best chance is catching him cold in the first round.

Gasquet agreed, and added: "He might be nervous before he grows in confidence - but I'm not happy to play against him.

"I'm not confident because I know it will be difficult, and the game is on centre court, and I have never played there before.

"But after winning here with a great performance, and for me it was important to win before my game with Federer, there's no pressure on me now."

The Federer backhand will come under close scrutiny from Gasquet as he feels that is his weakness - albeit not much of one.

"I have a tactic, to play on his backhand," confirmed the former junior world number one.

"It's the only way to beat him because he has a great serve and a wonderful forehand.

"His backhand is also great, but mine is the best part of my game, and that's how I beat him in Monte Carlo last year. It will be the key to the match."

Gasquet, fitness permitting, has vowed to return to Nottingham next year in a bid to make it three in a row.

"It's incredible for me that I have won two titles here, so why not?" remarked Gasquet.

"I've played two great tournaments, and now I want to come back and win a third - I am the Federer of Nottingham!"

The match was an intriguing encounter of youth versus experience; rising star versus veteran, a baseliner against a good, old-fashioned serve-volleyer.

Gasquet proved too strong and powerful for the 34-year-old Bjorkman, who was broken in the ninth game of the first set and twice more in the second.

"I came up short today against the future - I realised I'm a bit old," reflected Bjorkman, who feels Gasquet can give Federer a run for his money.

"He has a good game," added Bjorkman.

"He mixes up his serve, has a good backhand and a weird technique on the forehand, but it works well and is hard to read.

"He's beaten Roger before, and is one of the few guys who has done that, so maybe he can take advantage of that.

"If it's enough, I'm not sure, but he is playing great tennis, and winning back to back here will give him a lot of confidence.

"He has nothing to lose, is more experienced now than a year ago, so he will definitely come up sharp."

The reigning doubles champions also successfully defended their title, with Israeli duo Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram easily beating Dmitry Tursunov and Igor Kunitsyn of Russia 6-3 6-2 in 56 minutes.