Raonic takes Brisbane crown from Federer

Milos Raonic produced an impressive display to beat Roger Federer 6-4 6-4 in the final of the Brisbane International and avenge his defeat in last year's corresponding match.

World number 14 Raonic had won just one of his previous 10 meetings with the veteran Swiss ahead of Sunday's contest.

Yet Federer, who has battled illness this week, came out second best on this occasion as his opponent excelled at the net on his way to a notable scalp.

A solitary break in each set proved enough for the aggressive Raonic, who gave up just six points on his first serve at Pat Rafter Arena.

The Canadian accepted the fourth opportunity to come his way in the opener, breaking for a 5-4 lead before serving out the set.

Federer was able to get to advantage on the Raonic serve in the fourth game of set two, but failed to take his chance and was duly broken again at 3-3.

There was to be no way back for the 17-time grand slam champion as Raonic secured an eighth ATP World Tour title and a significant confidence boost ahead of this month's Australian Open.