Federer remained perfect in
Cincinnati finals, winning an unprecedented seventh championship on Sunday
while denying Novak Djokovic the one title that always eludes him. Federer
never faced a break point during a
7-6 (1), 6-3 victory at the Western &
Southern Open.
The Swiss star is 7-0 in Cincinnati
finals, which always brings out the best in him. He loves the fast-playing
courts and the small-town atmosphere in suburban Cincinnati heading into the
big-city pressure of the U.S. Open.
''I don't know how many years I can
come back, but I'll try my best to be here many more years to come,'' Federer
said.
No surprise there. Federer is the
undisputed king of this court.
''He's very good on this center
court,'' Djokovic said. ''He's more confident each year.''
By contrast, the world's top-ranked
player is 0-5 in Cincinnati championship matches, never winning so much as one
set. Djokovic covets the title - the only one he needs to become the first to
win all nine of the current ATP Masters events.
''The fifth time I've been in the
title (match) and never won this title, so I guess I have to wait for Roger to
retire,'' Djokovic said. ''I've been coming back each year wanting it more.''
Federer feels for him.
''I really hope you can win here
someday,'' Federer told him on court during the trophy presentations. ''He
deserves it. C'mon, so close.''
In addition to Cincinnati, Federer
has won seven titles at Dubai and Wimbledon, eight at Halle.
It was Federer's first tournament
since he lost to Djokovic in the finals at Wimbledon. With the win, he'll be
seeded second behind Djokovic at the U.S. Open.
Federer spent the last few weeks
practicing in Switzerland, and he arrived in Cincinnati hoping to get his game
smoothed out for the U.S. Open. His serve is right where he needs it. During
his five matches in Cincinnati, Federer wasn't broken during 49 service games.
He faced only three break points all
week, none on Sunday when he lost only 13 points during his 11 service games
and the tiebreaker. Federer also won the 2012 title without having his serve
broken all week.
Djokovic fought off four break
points early in the first set, and Federer never gave up more than two points a
game off his serve as it went to a tiebreaker. Djokovic became animated as he
dumped three shots into the net during the tiebreaker, helping Federer take
control. At that point, it was clear where this one was head.
Another Federer win. Another
Djokovic disappointment.
Federer broke him and went up 3-0 in
the second set. Djokovic fought off three breaks points during an 18-point game
that pulled him within 4-2, but Federer held serve and closed it out when
Djokovic returned a serve long. Then he raised his racket in his left hand and
his right index finger in celebration.
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