World No. 2 Roger Federer won his second ATP Cincinnati Masters crown in a row on Sunday, outlasting American Mardy Fish 6-7(5), 7-6 (1), 6-4 for his 63rd career title.
The Swiss superstar, who is bidding for a 17th Grand Slam crown when the US Open begins on August 30, matched Bjorn Borg for fifth on the all-time Open Era title list and captured his fourth Cincinnati crown after 2005, 2007 and 2009.
“I have been playing well the last couple of weeks and this was just another proof that I'm playing really well,” Federer said.
Federer captured his first title since the Australian Open and served notice he will be difficult to defeat at the US Open, where he lost last year's final to Juan Martin del Potro, who will not defend his title because of an injury.
“It's nice knowing the hard work in the off-season after Wimbledon pays off right away,” Federer said. “I've been committed to this sport for many years and when you do that and give yourself over and over again, you will break through by winning tournaments again.
Too passive
“I was maybe playing a little bit too passive. Now I'm taking it to the opponents again. I'm hoping that that's the right game plan right now.”
Federer used a steady serve and consistent back-line work to allow only one break chance for Fish.
“I was really consistent on my serve,” Federer said. “I had the upper hand from the baseline. He had to start taking chances.
“This is how tennis used to be played coming up — big serves, some volleys. It was played on a couple points here and there. I hung tough and made him work hard and was able to come across the finish line faster.”
Wildcard entrant Fish, who had won recent titles in Newport and Atlanta, fired 17 aces but failed in his bid to become the first unseeded champion in the event, the final major tune-up for the year's last Grand Slam tournament.
“I played well. He played well. It was a pretty high level for the most part,” Fish said. “In two matches he has broken me only one time in five sets, so I have played really well against him the past couple of times.”
Thumping win
Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki, the World No. 2 two likely to be top seed at the US Open with Serena Williams out due to injury, led former US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia 2-0 when rain halted their semifinal on Saturday. When the match resumed on Monday, Wozniacki went on to book a spot in the final with a 6-2, 6-3 win.
Russia's Vera Zvonareva reached the final when her opponent Victoria Azarenka of Belarus retired while trailing 7-6(6), 1-0.
