Share

Djokovic sets up title showdown with Federer

Or maybe subtitle it the Djokovic Heartbreak.

Advertisement

In the women’s final, Serena Williams proved too strong for Simona Halep in a 6-3 7-6 (7/5) victory.

“I think he’s more aggressive here than in any other tournament because the surface and conditions allow him to play very fast”, Djokovic hypothesized.

“I’m ready”, said Williams regarding the US Open, where the world’s eyes will be upon her every move.

Federer, 34, first claimed his Cincinnati title in 2005. He’s 7-0 in Cincinnati finals, which bring out the best in the Swiss star.

Part of this explains why Federer has looked to bolster his offensive attack with more ways to shorten points.

No surprise there. Federer is the undisputed king of this court.

Transforming a duel into demolition, Djokovic closed in 63 minutes signing the court-side camera lens “I love Pink!”

Peter Bodo has been covering tennis for over 35 years, mostly recently for ESPN. He is hoping to become the first man to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 championships in his career.

Djokovic has been in four finals but has never won a title in Cincinnati. “It’s whether Novak can make history by winning the ‘Golden Masters.’ I will try to stop that and win my seventh title”. “Of course he deserves it – come on”.

He will face Federer, a six-time champion who has never lost a Cincinnati title match.

It’s Federer’s first event since losing to Djokovic in the final at Wimbledon. The loss may be an emotional setback for Djokovic who has not won the U.S. Open since 2011. The defending champion is trying for an unprecedented seventh title in Cincinnati. But the Serbian ace showed why he’s been the premier player in the game in 2015, holding off Federer’s relentless assault and stepping up in his own service games to not be broken as well.

After cruising through the first set tie-break, Federer earned the only break of the match in the second game of the second set, and went on to brush aside his rival easily. Djokovic needs to keep Federer on the baseline and away from the net.

Another Federer win. Another Djokovic disappointment. He held off Federer at 3-3 with three big serves, and with no breaks the set went to a tiebreak.

Advertisement

However, the Serb was on the back foot throughout the breaker as Federer saw it out 7-1. Then he raised his racket in his left hand and his right index finger in celebration. It’s wonderful to be another finalist because coming here now I’m perfectly prepared for the final.

Roger Federer Cincinnati Masters