The win gave Raonic his eighth title on the ATP tour and reversed the result of last year’s final, won by 34-year-old Federer in three tight sets.

The Canadian said later the win showed that he could challenge for a grand slam title after enduring a tough year in 2015 due to injury.

“[There are] sort of two steps,” he said, “being able to step up and play great for two weeks, which I believe I can definitely do”.

“Then there is the aspect of if you want to compete to be the best player in the world, that’s about playing good for about 30 weeks.

“That’s maybe another step away, but I definitely feel I have it within myself to step up and play great tennis for two weeks.”

Raonic took full advantage of an out-of-sorts Federer and always looked the more likely to win.

The Canadian said that in general “I was staying quite a bit ahead on my serve and always close on his”.

“So I was giving myself opportunities and then was able to capitalise twice.”

Federer was off his game throughout, serving at only 55 per cent and struggling to make any impression on Raonic.

Federer conceded he felt off the pace. “You know, like one step too slow. I definitely felt tired in my legs throughout the week, so then you feel that in defence,” he said.

“When you feel it in the most important moments, every time I had a chance to create some better plays, you know, it just wouldn’t be happening.”

Meanwhile, top seed Stanislas Wawrinka beat Croatian youngster Borna Coric, 19, on Sunday to capture the ATP Chennai Open in India for a third straight year.

The Swiss world number four overcame Coric 6-3, 7-5.

“I was expecting a really tough match. He’s young, he’s really good,” said the two-time grand slam winner.