Even Federer surprised by his 'incredible' year

SHANGHAI, Nov 19 (Reuters) Roger Federer surprised even himself with how well he played in the 2006 season, which he rounded off in some style by winning the Masters Cup today.

The 25-year-old's dominance of men's tennis is such that the Swiss could extend his holiday into March and would still break Jimmy Connors's record of 160 consecutive weeks as world number one on February 26.

''I think that is definitely one of the big records I've broken, maybe the biggest so far in my career,'' Federer said.

''I'm waiting for that date to come along and then I'll celebrate it, not right now.'' The 25-year-old thrashed American James Blake 6-0 6-3 6-4 today in his last competitive game of 2006 to win his 12th title of the year, a feat no player has achieved since Thomas Muster in 1995.

''To come to this point in my career where I feel so happy with my game, it's come such a long way that I am out of words really to describe this performance,'' he said.

''It was the perfect end to an incredible season. There's not much more I could have done (this year). I gave myself the best possible chance basically at every event. To come out like this, on top, I surprised even myself, no doubt.'' Federer said the pick of his dozen titles this year had beenthe Australian Open and Wimbledon titles, which along with another US Open triumph took him to nine grand slams.

FRENCH OPEN There were not many disappointments, Federer said, although the defeat by Spain's Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros which denied him a Grand Slam was one.

''I wish I could have played a bit better,'' he said. ''But I enjoyed it, after all, it was my first French Open final.'' Federer has now been to Shanghai for the Masters Cup three times.

He was knocked out in the semi-finals by Australian Lleyton Hewitt in 2002 then lost last year's final to Argentina's Nalbandian after returning from the first serious injury of his career.

''Maybe come here now the third time around to Shanghai and finally win it, the way I did it, I think it's really, really one of the most special victories for me anyway,'' he said.

''I came up also with incredible shots again today on big points.

For some reason it just ends up always happening, you know. I don't see what the secret is behind it, I really don't,'' he said.

REUTERS SAM BD1929