A local crowd of 5,000 was treated to a moment of greatness from one of the world of sport’s greatest ever athletes as Roger Federer produced perhaps the best shot ever to be seen at Dubai Tennis Stadium.

The legend, who is town for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, a title he has won five times, was midway through the second set of his first round match with German Benjamin Becker when he drew on the brilliance that has seen him win more Grand Slams than any other man in history.

In the midst of a long rally with his rival, Federer was on the back foot when Becker scooped the ball deep towards the baseline. The 32-year-old looked well short of reaching the bouncing ball, but scurry he did, before unleashing what tennis aficionados call a ‘tweener’.

Basically, with his back to the rest of the court, the Swiss flicked his wrist and hoisted the ball from between his legs high over the advancing Becker and just inside the tramlines. Breathtaking.

The crowd erupted and saluted one of their favourite sons. Federer went on to win the match 6-1, 6-4.

Speaking in Dubai this week, Federer said: “I feel my best tennis is around the corner. I’ve said that quite a few times, but I feel like this time it’s really the case.  I wake up with zero pain and I’m excited about playing tournaments. I had a solid finish to last year and it has been a good start to this season as well.”

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Al Garhoud, Dubai, Dhs75. Tel: (04) 4172415. Metro: GGICO.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com