Roger Federer of Switzerland poses with a giant number 1,000 after winning his thousandth career title in the men's singles final at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, January 11, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

Raonic was unable to dictate terms against the vastly more experienced Federer once he adapted to his booming serve but pushed his opponent all the way in a high-quality match where the pair hit a combined total of 92 clean winners.

Raonic had blasted 34 aces past Kei Nishikori in his semi-final but managed only 12 against Federer, who replied with 20 of his own, including one where Raonic misjudged the bounce and took an embarrassing air swing.

Federer, returning the ball deep and mixing up his shots, broke Raonic's serve once in each set as the capacity crowd at the Pat Rafter Arena roared in admiration.

The world number two broke in the third game of the match when Raonic dumped a backhand into the net then broke him again in the opening game of the second set.

But Raonic showed that he has more to his game than just his big serve when he quickly broke back and forced a tiebreaker, his sixth of the tournament.

Federer won the first two points of the tiebreaker but Raonic reeled off the next seven on the trot to square the match at one set apiece.

The standard of play rose along with the tension in the deciding set before Raonic blinked first, double faulting to give Federer match point then hitting a forehand into the net to concede defeat.