Federer not impressed by Murray

By Barry Wood

DUBAI (Reuters) - Roger Federer was beaten by Andy Murray on Monday but believes the Briton's game has not really changed since they first met on the ATP Tour in 2005.

The world number one first met Murray in the Thailand Open final 2-1/2 years ago when the Briton was ranked 109th.

Although Federer won that contest, Murray has beaten him in their other two encounters.

In the last two seasons, the 20-year-old Murray has claimed five titles but Federer was not very impressed by the world number 11's tactics on Monday.

"I don't think he's changed his game a whole lot since I played him in the Bangkok final," the Swiss said after he was beaten 6-7 6-3 6-4 in the first round of the Dubai Championships by Murray.

"Not that I'm disappointed but I really would have thought he would have changed it in some ways."

Federer added that Murray would have to work very hard to sustain a career at the top of men's tennis.

"It sort of works for him but he's going to have to grind very hard for the next few years if he keeps playing this way," said Federer.