The final of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati - the Western & Southern Open - was between seven time winner Roger Federer (2) and five time finalist Novak Djokovic (10).
Djokovic secured the first service break in the opening set. At 3-3 and deuce, Federer left the door open with his first double fault, then allowed Djokovic through with an error next point.
The following two games went to serve and at 5-4 Djokovic served for the set.
Djokovic netted the first point, but a vintage backhand winner levelled the game. An errant Swiss return and a Serbian service winner brought up two set points. Only one required and Djokovic was ahead 6-4.
Federer began set two and trailed 0-30. An ace eased the concern somewhat, and a backhand volley made it even more comfortable. Another ace for game point. Eventually serve held and 1-0 Federer.
An ace took Djokovic to 40-15, but he lost the next three points to give Federer his first break point of the match. The second seed didn’t have to do anything as Djokovic double faulted and the break arrived -Federer led 2-0.
Djokovic importantly broke back immediately and trailed 1-2. A love game made it 2-2. Federer’s reply to a power packed Djokovic forehand was a basic ace and he held for 3-2.
Solid serving from Djokovic and again the scores were level 3-3.
Two great serves and a super forehand gave Federer 40-0, but wonderful returning and overall defence from Djokovic brought it back to deuce. Three more game points couldn’t complete the task for Roger, and a double fault presented Novak with a break point. He used a stunning pass with which to secure a 4-3 advantage.
As per the opening set, two service holds (Federer from 0-30 and deuce), and then Djokovic was serving at 5-4 for the set and the title.
Federer hit winners from both wings but couldn’t prevent Djokovic from reaching match point, and he clinched it, winning 6-4 6-4.
Masters 1000 title number 31, and the first man to win at least one of all 9 Masters 1000 tournaments.
Djokovic now leads Federer in head to head contests 24-22.
Novak has moved up four spots to number six in the rankings, and with no more points to defend this year, can take one of the top three positions within the very near future.
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