Federer: "I'm injury-free and feeling good"

Roger Federer endured one of the most surprising losses of his career on Thursday at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, falling to rising Russian qualifier Andrey Rublev 3-6, 4-6 in just 62 minutes. But after his outstanding season, the seven-time champion sees little reason to ring the alarms in his first tournament since Wimbledon.

"I played 45 matches this year, so I think I should be fine,” said Federer.

Federer looked out of sorts from the start on Stadium Court, missing shots that would normally be clean winners and converting only seven of his 19 trips to the net. Part of his uneasiness in the match had to do with facing a brand new opponent, a rarity for the Swiss at this stage of his career. But Federer praised Rublev's clutch tennis as the main reason for the end result.

"If I play Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic, I know more or less what they are going to do or can do. That's different with a player you play for the first time," said Federer. "It's maybe a small advantage to have over us, but regardless, you've still got to hit the corners, hit the lines, keep it going. He did exactly that. He was really perfect today. It was a great performance."

After 21 years on the ATP Tour, Federer has a keen eye for which players have the potential to reach the highest levels of the game. He was impressed by what he saw in the 21-year-old Russian, who only lost four points on serve in the second set and dictated the tempo of most of their baseline exchanges.

"You need an opponent that maybe lets you get by some tougher moments, but he didn't do that," said Federer. "He was super clean. Defence, offence, serving well. Didn't give me anything. He was everywhere. It was tough for me, but an excellent match by him. I was impressed. I think I just have to play better overall to hang with him."

The Swiss will now turn his attention to the US Open, where he looks to win a sixth title and his first since 2008. In a season that has seen him win three titles (Miami, Halle and Dubai) in addition to runner-up finishes in Wimbledon and Indian Wells, he believes an extra few days of rest and recovery could be just as beneficial as match play.

"It’s also very important for me to see that I'm injury-free and I'm feeling good. Regardless of the outcome of this week, I'm happy I came here," said Federer. "I had good practice sessions. I worked very hard coming into Cincinnati and in that little time we had since Wimbledon, so I can maybe also utilise a couple of days off. I’m going to train, do exactly what I need to do for the US Open and that’s it. It’s fairly simple, but I’ve got to work hard."

Date: 16 August 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer eases past Londero in Cincinnati opener

Roger Federer has won more titles at the Western and Southern Open than anyone else with seven. And on Tuesday evening, the Swiss superstar made a good start towards Cincinnati title No. 8.

In his first match as a 38-year-old, rain nor Juan Ignacio Londero could stop Federer, who took a 6-3, 6-4 decision in the second round, winning 83 per cent of his second-serve points in a 61-minute match that was delayed by about an hour during the second set due to a brief downpour.

"I’m very happy. I thought it was tricky with the rain delay and everything, but I’m happy to be back on the courts,” Federer said. “It’s totally different to the grass courts and the clay courts we have seen, so this is the beginning of a long, long hard-court swing. So it’s nice to start off with a win."

This was Federer’s first match since letting two championship points slip in the Wimbledon final against World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. The third seed is pursuing his 29th ATP Masters 1000 title.

The World No. 3 got off to a flying start against this year's Cordoba Open champion, breaking to love when the Cincinnati debutant double faulted into the net at 15/40 in his first service game. Federer quickly raced to secure that advantage, holding for 3-0, and he didn't look back from there in the opener. The father of four struck seven aces and lost just five service points in the first set, which took just 22 minutes.

Londero shrugged off his early nerves and held in his five service games after getting broken to start the encounter. And he successfully slowed down the Federer train before rain suspended play at 2-2, 15/15 on the Argentine's serve at the second set.

But in search of his first Top 10 win and Masters 1000 victory, Londero could not maintain his momentum. When the players returned to the court, Federer broke serve immediately thanks to a Londero double fault, and that was the only advantage he needed. The Swiss saved the only break point he faced in the next game with a half volley drop shot winner.

"Conditions are fast. We barely had any rallies in the first set. It was just bang-bang tennis," Federer said. "He had a good forehand. He hides it well with the grip, and because I have never played him before, it's hard to see the release happening. I think he actually can play very well on the faster hard court. He moves well, can take the ball early. He has the option to go back, but maybe here it's just a tad too fast."

Despite missing out on a match point on the World No. 55's serve, Federer served out his victory, finishing it off with a jamming body serve that went unreturned.

"I liked what I saw. I think he's going to have a good career. He's a good fighter. I saw especially a good fight from him against Rafa at the French Open. And even though he was down two sets to love and a break and you think, 'Well, you know, it's over', he kept believing and kept fighting. This is a quality I respect a lot in a player. That's why I knew it was going to be tough maybe today."

Date: 14 August 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer: "There are flashbacks of Wimbledon final"

Most people would be despondent after not converting two championship points to lose a Wimbledon final. Roger Federer went caravaning with his family the next day.

That isn’t to say the Swiss is immune to the magnitude of what happened against Novak Djokovic in London. He admitted to having “flashbacks” when he began training for this week’s Western & Southern Open. But after 21 years on tour, Federer has learned to treat matches as individual moments. After a family vacation and some relatively light training sessions, he’s only looking forward as he seeks an eighth crown in Cincinnati.

“You look back for a few days while you decompress what happened. There are flashbacks of the final, both the good moments and bad moments, when you go back to the practice court,” said Federer. “Those usually go away after the first couple of sessions and then it’s just getting ready for Cincinnati.

“We went caravaning the day after my Wimbledon and enjoyed Switzerland. I relaxed for a bit and then started practising, fitness first and then tennis after. It’s more about coming in fresh for this tournament and not killing myself during the practices.”

Cincinnati is Federer’s most successful ATP Masters 1000 event. He’s made it to the championship match in his past three trips and reached at least the quarter-finals in his past eight appearances. The friendly Midwest atmosphere suits Federer’s relaxed approach and makes him feel at home from the moment he steps on the grounds of the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

“It’s peaceful, quiet and easy-going. We have enough tournaments in big cities, so it’s a nice way for me to start the summer,” said Federer. “You also have these great fans who come here for the game and nothing else. It reminds me of Indian Wells in that sense, so that’s one thing which is cool about this event.”

Although Federer will be focused on his own game, he’ll also have an eye on Andy Murray’s singles comeback this week. The Swiss famously won the 2017 Australian Open in his first event after missing eight months to recover from left knee surgery. Federer admitted to feeling optimistic before his first match that year in Melbourne and believes expectations are often set before even walking out on court.

“You do have a sense of how things will go before your first match,” said Federer. “Are you crushing everybody in the practice sets or losing more often than not? How’s the pain and your movement? It’s obviously not something you can tell other players or the press, but you know if there’s a chance to have a big run or if you’re just happy being back on Tour and maybe winning a match or two.”

More than two years after that run in Melbourne, Federer continues to defy the odds. At an age where almost all of his peers that he started on Tour with have retired, the 38-year-old sits firmly at No. 3 in the ATP Rankings and could climb even higher by the end of the season. He’s not willing to put a timeline on how long he will keep playing, but with a 38-5 record and three ATP Tour titles to his name already this season, there’s little reason to stop.

“I’ve been consistent across all the surfaces. I haven’t had a back issue in two years and was obviously happy with how my knee recovered in 2016,” said Federer. “I don’t know how long I’m going to be playing, but I’m very happy with my level of play and it shows in the results.”

Date: 12 August 2019, Source: ATP

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Federer falls short in Cincy, credits Djokovic

Roger Federer fell in a championship match at the Western and Southern Open for the first time on Sunday, losing 4-6, 4-6 to former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. But instead of looking at his own performance after the match, he was full of praise for Djokovic, who completed the Career Golden Masters.

Federer was full of praise for Djokovic after the final: “Congratulations Novak on writing history today. It's an amazing effort not just today but your whole career to get to this point. It's an amazing achievement. You should be very proud. Well done.”

Federer knows just how difficult it is to win at this level, claiming 27 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles in his career. World No. 1 Rafael Nadal (33), Djokovic (31) and Federer (27) are the only players to capture more than 20 since the series was created in 1990. Djokovic is the first player to triumph at all nine Masters 1000 events.

“He's a great champion and this is what this should be about, this press conference, not about me missing second-serve returns. It's about him making history,” Federer said. “We can go into whatever points you want, but I think that's what the headline should be about. This is an amazing accomplishment, and I hope he's extremely proud and extremely happy about this moment.”

Every match at this level is tough. Case in point: all six of Djokovic’s opponents this week were inside the Top 33 of the ATP Rankings. Four of the five - Grigor Dimitrov, Milos Raonic, Marin Cilic and Federer - have cracked the Top 3 in their career.

“I think it's extremely difficult to win a Masters 1000. These tournaments don't come easy. You saw my performance today. It's just a long week. It's tough, grueling. The best players are playing. You play against tough guys early on in the draw, so you don't have much time to find your rhythm and actually almost work on your game throughout the week,” Federer said. “He's done that maybe better than anybody. So it's a great credit to him. I think it's an amazing accomplishment.”

It wasn't a bad week for Federer, either. He fell short on Sunday, but it was the World No. 2’s sixth final from eight tour-level events in 2018. The Swiss is now 33-5 on the season, and will set his sights on the US Open, which he has won five times.

“I’ve just got to come up with a lot of energy, and then hopefully I also have a chance after 10 years to do something special again at the Open,” Federer said. “I still think this US Open draw, as well, is going to be quite entertaining, and I can't wait for the US Open to come around.”

But for now, it’s Djokovic’s moment. Federer could sit and nitpick why he was only able to win 47 per cent of second-serve points, why he was broken three times after putting together a streak of 100 consecutive holds in Cincinnati, or why the Serbian was able to win 78 per cent of second-serve points. But he won’t.

“It was definitely not my best day on the return”, Federer, who won just four of 18 second-serve return points, added. “That's it. It was just awful. But it's okay. He served well. But missing every second serve on the forehand side, I don't know what that was about. I don't even want to look for reasons why it happened. I just think it did. Novak totally deserved to win today. This was not good enough. It's okay. Good week, but I'm happy it's over and I need to rest. So it's all good.”

“Roger wasn't obviously at his best. He missed a lot of returns. He had a difficult time moving. He was not really playing as well as he did in previous matches this week, but at the same time, I thought I was solid. I didn't allow him to come to the net and be aggressive too much and I tried to kind of hold ground and protect the line”, Djokovic said.

“It's much easier said than done when you're playing Roger, especially in these conditions where he loves playing here. Everything happens really, really fast and there is not much time to think or to construct the points, so you really need to be alert all the time, especially against him.”

Federer suffered his first defeat in a Cincinnati final, falling to 7-1. He had defeated Djokovic in three previous championships, in 2009, 2012 and 2015. Moreover, the Swiss was denied his 99th tour-level crown, which he will now look to seize at the US Open.

Date: 20 August 2018, Source: ATP

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Federer holds off Wawrinka's best hard-court effort

Roger Federer advanced to his eighth Western and Southern Open semi-final on Friday, performing double duty and maintaining his dominance against countryman Stan Wawrinka in the quarter-finals 6-7 (2), 7-6 (6), 6-2.

The second seed improved to 21-3, including 16-0 on hard courts, in his ATP Head to Head series against Wawrinka, who continued to show positive steps in his comeback from two knee surgeries one year ago.

“I just tried to remember for the core of the match, focus on your serve and try to do what I talked about with the coach beforehand on the return games, but it was just never really connecting at the right times my way,” Federer said.

“So I just had to hang tough, not get frustrated, and hope that I was not going to throw in a horrible service game or that he was going to connect perfectly. It was a close match today, so I'm just relieved that I got through it somehow.”

Wawrinka was two points away from the semi-finals in the second set, at 6/6 in the tie-break, as he hadn't conceded anything to Federer, playing steady from the baseline and not overhitting against the second seed. But, in the tie-break, Wawrinka went for broke and came up empty, blasting a backhand wide on Federer's third set point.

Lightning briefly suspended the match after the second set, but when they resumed, it was all Federer. He broke for the first time in the match on his eighth opportunity to lead 4-2, and a break to love sealed the quarter-final just before midnight Eastern Time.

“Maybe he came out a bit heavy after the rain delay. I also felt heavy for a second, because it has been a lot of tennis and a lot of focus we had to put into it. Maybe it felt a little bit easier for me and maybe it was a little bit clearer what I wanted to do also from the baseline. And I just didn't want to overhit, to be honest, because I felt like I did that quite a bit the first couple of sets,” Federer said.

“But again, Stan has the power, and I'm so glad he's back on the Tour, playing well and moving well. So I really enjoyed the match for what it was. It's difficult to always play against him, but I'm happy I was able to find a way in the tie-break in the second, because it was a frustrating night, for me, for the most period, and in the third I was able to find a way.

“I think it was partially because he maybe dropped his level, for sure, but maybe me, I also played a bit better then.”

For Wawrinka, his quarter-final run in Cincinnati marks back-to-back positive weeks at ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events. Last week, at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, he beat Aussie Nick Kyrgios, Marton Fucsovics of Hungary before falling to Rafael Nadal in the third round.

“For sure it was a great level. I think I'm playing great in general. I'm playing better every day, every week. Last week was really important and really good for myself, for my tennis, for my confidence. I'm happy to see where I am right now. I had a tough match last week against Rafa. Close match, also. Today was against Roger. They are No. 1 and No. 2 in the world. I beat Schwartzman, I beat Nishikori, so the level is good,” Wawrinka said.

“I need to keep improving, keep working, keep doing the right thing and keep pushing myself. For sure tonight I'm sad and disappointed to lose, but for me it's a big victory for myself after what I had last year. It was exactly one year ago. To see where I was also few weeks ago, I'm really happy to be here.”

Both players were performing double duty. Federer beat Leonardo Mayer of Argentina in straight sets earlier Friday, and Wawrinka knocked out Hungary's Marton Fucsovics. Overall, the always positive Federer didn't seem to mind the two a day.

“It was exciting to go through something new, only it was something I have done for the second time of my career maybe at the professional level. It felt like two separate days, actually, because this morning it was daytime, or this afternoon it was daytime, windy and breezy, and then we came out in the nighttime and it was black, and the sky was totally different. No wind at all. Different atmosphere. It was quite interesting, actually,” Federer said.

The seven-time champion will next meet Belgian David Goffin, who beat Juan Martin del Potro 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4). Goffin won their last matchup in the 2017 Nitto ATP Finals semi-finals, but Federer leads their ATP Head to Head series 6-1.

Date: 18 August 2018, Source: ATP

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Federer wins in Cincinnati return

Roger Federer’s first competitive outing in the American Midwest in three years is off to a flying start with the Swiss seeing off Peter Gojowczyk in the second round of the Western and Southern Open on Tuesday. In his first ATP World Tour event since turning 37 on 8 August, the seven-time champion needed just 72 minutes to defeat the German, 6-4, 6-4.

The No. 2 seed had not played since squandering a match point in his Wimbledon quarter-final defeat to Kevin Anderson a month ago and admitted to feeling anxious about his US summer hard-court return. But despite a rusty opening service game, in which he rolled down two double faults to face a break point, the Swiss soon hit his straps.

“I felt good in that first match, to be honest, walking out, hardly any nerves,” Federer said. “I think I knew what I wanted to do, what I had to do. Game plan is very simple. It's straightforward, it's fast-court tennis.

“I'm only feeling better every day that has gone by after Wimbledon. So it's nice to have played a match so my last match is not the Anderson match, so you've kind of turned the page, I guess, in that regard. It's a good thing.”

He served out the opening set 6-4 with a sublime serve-volley reaping the backhand volley winner. When Federer broke in the opening game of the second set he looked to be cruising, with a touch-volley winner edging him to 4-2.

Saving his best point for the brink of defeat, Gojowzyck - who had defeated Joao Sousa in the first round - pulled off a smash passing shot on his way to holding for 3-4 but it would not distract Federer from the job at hand. He served it out to love to set a third-round meeting with Argentine Leonardo Mayer, an earlier 7-6 (7), 6-4 winner over Andy Murray's conqueror, Lucas Pouille.

“I do believe usually it takes two or three matches to get going like aiming for the lines, finding the rhythm on the serve, being able to serve very accurate, time and time again, getting used to the balls, how the ball flies,” Federer said. “That's why I'm always happy when I clear the first hurdle of any event, because it gives me an opportunity to actually play better the next time around.”

Date: 15 August 2018, Source: ATP

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Federer withdraws from Cincinnati with back injury

Roger Federer has withdrawn from the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati. The seven-time champion said on Monday that a back injury will force him to miss the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament this week.

“I am very sorry to pull out of the Western and Southern Open as I always enjoy playing here,” Federer said. “Cincinnati has some of the best fans in the world and I am sorry I will miss them. Unfortunately, I tweaked my back in Montreal and I need to rest this week.”

A lucky loser will replace him in the draw and have the benefit of a first round bye.

Federer fell in the Rogers Cup final to Alexander Zverev, the first title match the Swiss has lost this season (5-1 record). His withdrawal guarantees Rafael Nadal will return to No. 1 in the ATP Rankings when the new rankings are released on Monday 21 August. Nadal has spent 141 weeks at the top spot but hasn't been No. 1 since 6 July 2014.

The Swiss star, ranked No. 3, is sidelined along with No. 1 Andy Murray, No. 4 Stan Wawrinka, No. 5 Novak Djokovic, No. 6 Marin Cilic, the defending champion, No. 9 Kei Nishikori and 21st-ranked Gael Monfils.

“It's bad news for Roger that he's not playing,” Nadal said. “I wish them all a speedy recovery. We need them in the game. I hope they get back soon.”

Date: 14 August 2017

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Federer beats Djokovic for seventh Cincinnati title

Roger Federer won the 41st clash of titans against rival Novak Djokovic, claiming his seventh Western & Southern Open crown 7-6(1), 6-3 on Sunday.

Federer captured his 87th tour-level title and 24th at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 stage. Having beaten World No. 2 Andy Murray in the semi-finals, it marked the first time he had toppled the No. 1 and No. 2 players in the ATP Rankings in consecutive matches en route to a title. Federer will reclaim the No. 2 spot from the Scot when the new rankings are released on Monday.

"Now I've got the confidence, I've got the matches, and I'm actually still feeling really fresh even after this week, because the matches have been rather short," Federer said. "I think I moved well. I was explosive moving forward. Volleys were good. I think from the baseline I was hitting my forehand very well."

He passed up the Montreal Masters won by Murray last week, preferring to rest and prepare at home.

"It's great, I didn't expect it, to be quite honest. I knew I had a chance, but I still felt more guys were going to have a better shot than I had because they had played Montreal before," Federer said.

"Usually that helps. But I've realized over all the years that it's just really difficult to win back-to-back Montreal and Cincinnati, or Toronto and Cincinnati.

"I chose to roll the dice a little bit and see how things were going to go. If they went great here then it was a great plan.

"If not, I was going to go back and practice and be really motivated for the US Open to start."

Federer takes home $731,000 and 1,000 ATP Rankings points, adding to Cincinnati titles won in 2005, '07, '09-10, '12 and '14. The Swiss finishes the week not conceding a break of serve in 49 service games.

"I tried to really mix it up on his second serve and I was hoping to serve good enough myself to keep me out of trouble," Federer added during an interview with ESPN following the match. "He had that one bad game at the beginning of the second set, which made the difference in the match.

"I've seen Novak adapt to my play over the years and he's also improved a lot. His movement and his backhand and forehand are always so solid. There aren't many errors coming out of his forehand wing now. Our rivalry has definitely evolved."

Djokovic, meanwhile, was vying to complete the Career Golden Masters, falling to 0-5 in Cincinnati finals (2008-09, '11-12). A 24-time ATP World Tour Masters 1000 champion, he falls to 54-26 in tour-level finals.

"It’s now the fifth time I’ve been in this final. I guess I’ll have to wait until Roger retires,” Djokovic joked.

"I think he's more aggressive here than in any other tournament because the surface and conditions allow him to play very fast," said Djokovic. "He generally copes well with the fast balls, the fast game. He likes this rhythm.

"It was right tactics for him. I knew coming into the match he was going to be aggressive. No question about it. So I tried to handle it. I did well until the tie-break in the first set. After that, he was just the better player.

"I made some double faults, dropped my service game. The way I played this week, it's great I managed to reach the finals."

Federer owns a 21-20 edge in their ATP Head to Head rivalry, exacting revenge on Djokovic following the Serb's victory in their most recent meeting - the 2015 Wimbledon final. Djokovic is 3-2 this year, also claiming wins on the clay of Rome and hard courts of Indian Wells. Federer's other victory came in the Dubai title match.

After the match, Federer assessed his game going into the year's final grand slam.

"Good, regardless of whether I would have won or not," said Federer. "I was well prepared. I had a good Wimbledon, a good offseason, recovered well and trained really hard. I knew I was going to be ready for the US Open."

How the Final was won:

Federer had adopted an ultra aggressive mentality in cruising through the draw thus far, and the Swiss carried that same approach into Sunday's final. He won 40 per cent of return points entering the encounter and pressed for an early break immediately. Djokovic saved a trio of break points in the third game and another after a six-minute fifth game.

The opener would proceed to a tie-break, where Federer would snatch an early mini-break. A majestic looping backhand clipped the baseline to give the Basel native a 3-1 lead. He would not look back, taking 10 of the last 11 points to claim the first set. He hit 20 winners and won 16 of 21 net points to win the opener in 52 minutes.

Federer would continue applying pressure on the Djokovic serve as the match progressed, surging to a 3-0 lead in the second set after the top seed double faulted to hand the initial break to the Swiss. He would hold serve to the finish line, striking 32 winners and seven aces in total.

Date: 23rd August 2015, Source: ATP, AFP and Reuters

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Federer and Djokovic to clash for Cincinnati crown

Roger Federer continued his quest for a seventh Western & Southern Open title and a return to No. 2 in the ATP Rankings, turning aside Andy Murray 6-4, 7-6(6) on Saturday.

The Swiss, who sits at No. 3 in the ATP Rankings, is hoping to wrestle the No. 2 spot away from the Scot with a successful title defence in Cincinnati. Murray surged to the second position with his run to the Montreal title last week.

"It would be great to win another Masters 1000, especially here in Cincinnati," said Federer who has beaten Djokovic in two Cincinnati finals. "Going for my seventh here is just great. It's wonderful to be another finalist because coming here now I'm perfectly prepared for the final.

"I've been practicing and away from the game since Wimbledon. It's not that long, but in tennis terms one month is a long time. I'll give it all I have tomorrow. It's going to be tough. Couldn't ask for a tougher opponent than Novak.

"Hopefully I can take advantage of the fact that I'm fresh and ready to go."

Federer pounced early on Saturday, earning a quick break in the third game of the first set. He would consolidate for 3-1 and pressed for a second break with a 0/30 peek at Murray's next service game. He would eventually claim the opener in 38 minutes with a forehand winner down the line - his 14th winner of the set.

Both players would ride their serves to a tie-break in the second set, where 23-time Masters 1000 champion Federer converted on his second match point at 7/6 after grabbing the decisive mini-break with a crisp drop shot half-volley winner. He dominated the longer rallies throughout, winning 12 of 17 of nine shots or more and has now earned 35 straight service holds in the rivalry, dating back to Cincinnati last year.

Federer is eyeing an 87th tour-level crown. He is a perfect 6-0 in finals in the American city. The Basel native now owns a 14-11 edge in the ATP Head to Head series against Murray, having previously dominated their lone encounter this year in the Wimbledon semi-finals. He has won the past 10 sets played in the rivalry, spanning five consecutive wins since 2014.

The second seed will renew his titanic rivalry with Novak Djokovic, which is knotted at 20 wins apiece, on Sunday. It will be their fifth encounter of the year, with Federer winning on the hard courts of Dubai and Djokovic emerging in Indian Wells, Rome and Wimbledon.

"I feel okay," said Murray. "I've done well to recover from some tough matches. It's good. The positive about losing today is I get the opportunity to have an extra days' rest and recovery. I need that.

"I didn't feel too bad on the court. There wasn't many long rallies today, which helped. I served well, so I was able to get a lot of free points there.

"Maybe the first shot after the return he was just a little bit slow there. Against Roger, he's extremely dangerous off the first shot of the rallies. A good example of that is the 5-all point in the tie-break. I hit a pretty good return and just couldn't quite get to that ball and hit a good shot there."

Date: 23rd August 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer sets Cincy SF clash against Murray

Roger Federer continued to fire on all cylinders in his quest for an unprecedented seventh Western & Southern Open crown, notching match win No. 40 in Cincinnati.

The Swiss has ridden an ultra aggressive game plan in cruising into Saturday's semi-finals, downing Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-4. He dominated proceedings in the first set, firing 12 winners and claiming 83 per cent of total service points, snagging the lone break in the sixth game after Lopez fell in a 0/40 hole. The second seed dropped only four points on serve in the opener.

Federer had not faced a break point all tournament, but trailing 2-3 in the second set his serve would come under siege at 0/40. True to form, he would reel off five straight points to hold and immediately broke to 15 in the next game for a 4-2 advantage. He would close out the match after just 62 minutes, striking a total 26 winners, including eight aces.

A 23-time ATP World Tour Masters 1000 champion, Federer now owns a 12-0 ATP Head to Head against the Spaniard, having conceded just one break of serve in their previous seven meetings. He has claimed each of the past 10 sets played as well.

The pair enjoyed a lighthearted moment at the post-match handshake, with Lopez exclaiming, "You were flying all over the court." Federer responded: "I have a few more years left in me."

"I did feel good, especially in the first set," said Federer. "In the second set a little less maybe. It was also an important game to hold being down Love-40. That's exactly the kind of match it can become. As an experienced tennis player, I'm aware that matches can turn around extremely quickly.

"It's good I got out of that game and was able to break right away and then bring it home. Things tend to get away from you super fast against big servers, especially on a surface that's faster like here. I'm very happy with the match."

The Basel native is making his 15th appearance in Cincinnati, one of six tournaments he has won six times or more. The second seed, who owns a 40-8 record in the American city, reached the semi-finals for the fifth time since 2009.

Lopez, who had spent five and a half hours more on court than Federer entering Friday's encounter, was coming off a titanic third-set tie-break win over countryman Rafael Nadal in the third round.

Federer will face third seed Andy Murray in Saturday's semi-finals after the Scot rallied from a set down to turn aside Richard Gasquet. He owns a 13-11 edge in their ATP Head to Head, most recently notching a 7-5, 7-5, 6-4 win in the Wimbledon semis.

Date: 22nd August 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer races past Anderson

Six-time champion Roger Federer has eased through to the Western & Southern Open quarter-finals with a convincing 6-1, 6-1 victory over Kevin Anderson on Thursday. The No. 2 seed had not dropped a set to the South African in three prior meetings and this would be his most dominant display yet. He required just 54 minutes to book a clash with unseeded Feliciano Lopez after the Spaniard upset Rafael Nadal to deny a 34^th instalment in the Federer v Nadal rivalry.

Federer raced to 5-0 in the opening set before Anderson was able to get on the board. The 34-year-old would go on to claim the result on his fourth match point when Anderson’s forehand found the net. It was one of those nights when everything seemed to fall into place for the Swiss great.

“Definitely felt better than other days. Felt good on the return, felt good on the serve, seeing just the ball really well,” Federer said. “It's a pleasure to play that way because it doesn't happen very often that you feel this good. So you've got to enjoy it, but then, unfortunately, you have to quickly put it behind you and look forward.”

Federer revealed he had trained with his opponent only last week and knew it could have potentially been much more difficult against the big-serving 29-year-old. He said nothing, though, replicated the conditions of actual match play.

“I played a great match and I'm very pleased, because I knew that tough challenge ahead,” he said. “I had practised with Kevin last week here. I lost both sets I played with him in practice, so I was really happy that I was able to turn it around tonight.”

Federer finished with 23 winners and just eight unforced errors to Anderson’s 12 winners and 21 unforced errors. He moved to within two victories of reaching a seventh Cincinnati final - which he would enter with a perfect 6-0 record. First he must get past Lopez. He carries a perfect 11-0 record against the Spaniard.

“Played a lot against him in my life. We go way back to the European Championships, under-16 and under-18 where I lost both times against him,” Federer said.

“Then on the Tour I don't think I lost against him, but we played on all different conditions, and we know each other obviously very well because of that. It was a tough match for him tonight; played a good ’breaker. Obviously everybody knows how well he can serve. He also beat Raonic here, now Rafa. Clearly he's on a run.”

Date: 21st August 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer serves up win in Cincy opener

Roger Federer got off to a winning start in his Western & Southern Open title defence, downing Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 6-4 on Tuesday evening.

Federer made his first serves count in winning 95 per cent of such points, despite serving at just 43 per cent for the match. He fired six aces and 24 winners, while not facing a break point, to prevail after 69 minutes. The Swiss dropped just three points on serve in the second set, improving his Head to Head to 4-0 against the Spaniard. He was also ruthless on return, averaging 2.4 metres inside the baseline to return Bautista Agut's serve.

The Basel native is making his 15th appearance in Cincinnati, bidding for his seventh title (2005, '07, '09-10, '12, '14). Last year, he defeated David Ferrer to improve to 6-0 in finals in the American city.

"It was a good win for me, it can only get tougher from here. I haven't played in a long time and I felt a bit rusty at times in the first set. I need matches right now, so it was good to start well here. I'm happy I got through this first one. Now I know what it's about, " said Federer.

"It's the first round of the hard court season for the next six plus months or so," said Federer. "I have things in mind to work on for the hard-court season. No. 1, you have to be fit and tough, because you can stop on a dime and move the other direction, which on other surfaces is not so easy to do.

"Here in Cincy it plays pretty quick, so why not move forward a bit. You have to just pick the right times and keep your opponent off balance. I think it is a good play for me."



Cincinnati is also one of six tournaments the World No. 3 has won at least six times, along with Halle (8), Dubai (7), Wimbledon (7), the ATP World Tour Finals (6) and Basel (6). He has won 38 of 46 matches played here and will seek to add yet another with a third-round meeting against Kevin Anderson or Jack Sock.

Federer is 41-7 in 2015, with titles at the 250 level tournaments in Brisbane and Istanbul and the 500 level events in Dubai and Halle. He is seeking to emerge victorious at all three ATP World Tour levels for the second straight year and fourth time since 2010.

Date: 19th August 2015, Source: ATP and AFP

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Federer: I am a better player now than a decade ago

One week after celebrating his 34^th birthday, Roger Federer arrives as the defending champion in Cincinnati of the belief he is a better player now than he was a decade ago.

Considering his dominance of the 2005 season, it should be cause for concern for his younger rivals. The Swiss player made the assessment on the eve of his 2015 campaign in Cincinnati, where he returns as a six-time champion.

A decade ago he was consolidating his dominance of the game, winning Wimbledon and the US Open crowns with four ATP World Tour Masters Series 1000 titles among his 11 titles for the year - the most a player had landed in one season in more than 20 years. He finished the year with an 81-4 win-loss record. On paper, his numbers this season may not stack up to that impressive run but his game has developed in the years since.

“I think I'm a better player now than when I was at 24 because I've practised for another 10 years and I've got 10 years more experience,” Federer said. “Maybe I don't have the confidence level that I had at 24 when I was winning 40 matches in a row, but I feel like I hit a bigger serve, my backhand is better, my forehand is still as good as it's ever been, I volley better than I have in the past. I think I've had to adapt to a new generation of players again.”

He opted to skip last week’s Rogers Cup in Montreal, having last year reached the final in Canada where he fell to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. He was keen to avoid back-to-back events, instead choosing to focus on defending the title at one of his most successful stops on tour, having never lost a final in Cincinnati. Despite losing his No. 2 position in the ATP Rankings to Andy Murray, Federer is the tournament’s No. 2 seed this week and arrives fresher than he did 12 months ago.

With more than one-third of players in the Top 100 30 years or older, he  admits that he is surprised the next generation has not yet taken over.

“We definitely had a very good generation of players,” he said. “I still remember my junior years. My year, 1981 and also 1982 and 1980, we were all very strong. It's nice to see that so many actually made the Tour. Personally, I'm surprised to see how many of them are still hanging in there and still playing.”

The 17-time Grand Slam champion puts it down to two main reasons. “Number one, it was a good generation,” he said. “Number two, the generation that usually pushes players out wasn't as strong as maybe other ones. I'm talking about the players who are 25 years old right now. That generation only had a few players and the same thing for age 20 right now. There are some good ones, but not like 30 of them when we came along. I think those are usually the guys that push the older guys out. So we're able to hang on. It's nice to see because in a few years, many of them won't be around anymore.”

Date: 18th August 2015, Source: ATP

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Rested Federer tries for 7th Cincinnati title

Roger Federer has spent the last few weeks in Switzerland, practicing and resting for the final push of the season. He's back on the ATP Tour at one of his favorite stops.

The 34-year-old Swiss star is trying for an unprecedented seventh title in Cincinnati this week while getting his game in shape for the U.S. Open. The time off has helped.

"I'm fresh and obviously eager to play and can't wait for the tournament to start, really," Federer said after practice Sunday morning. "But practice has been going very well. I'm very happy with how I'm feeling."

Federer decided to sit out the Rogers Cup last week, avoiding back-to-back tournaments. Last year, he was the runner-up at the Rogers Cup, flew to Cincinnati and beat David Ferrer in three sets at the Western & Southern Open.

Federer is 6-0 when he reaches the finals in Cincinnati, where he's very comfortable with the courts and has a good feeling because of his career success. This time, he's also rested.

"Last year I came in tired from five straight matches in Toronto, arrived late, wasn't sure if I was going to play, decided to play and thankfully I did," Federer said. "I ended up winning here. Now I have had plenty of time."

Federer faces a tough path in his quest to successfully defend his Western & Southern Open crown, with Rafael Nadal in his quarter, a semi-final duel with third seed Andy Murray also looming large. While top seed Novak Djokovic has Stan Wawrinka as a potential quarter-final opponent on the other side of the draw.

Champion in 2005, ‘07, ‘09-10, ’12 and ‘14, Federer is seeded second and will face either Roberto Bautista Agut or Pablo Cuevas after receiving a first-round bye. He is 3-0 in his ATP Head to Head against Bautista Agut and holds a 2-0 record against Cuevas.

Date: 17th August 2015, Source: AP and ATP

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Federer holds off Ferrer for 80th title, sixth in Cincinnati

Roger Federer defeated David Ferrer 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 for his sixth Western & Southern Open title and 80th singles title of his career on Sunday in the first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final to feature two players over the age of 30.

Federer, 33, improved to a perfect 6-0 in Cincinnati finals and to a 16-0 ATP Head toHead record against the 32-year-old Ferrer. He snapped a four-match losing streak in Masters 1000 finals, including a runner-up finish last week at the Rogers Cup in Toronto (l. to Tsonga), to claim his 22nd crown at this level.

"I'm very happy about the week," said Federer. "Just overall it went from good to great. Just really pleased that I was able to back up a tough week last week already."

"I really thought I was feeling better again towards the end of the second set, like he felt better at the end of the first," said Federer. "I carried that over into the third and served great and was able to come up with some really good plays. Just overall I think I played a great match at the end."

The Swiss lifted his third trophy from eight finals this season, adding to his victories in Dubai and Halle, and just the third player in the Open Era to reach the 80-titles plateau, joining Jimmy Connors (109) and Ivan Lendl (94).

In his opening match against Vasek Pospisil earlier this week in Cincinnati, Federer made history as the first player to win 300 matches at the Masters 1000 level. His 22 Masters 1000 titles is second to Rafael Nadal’s 27 in the leaders list.

Federer will next head to New York for the US Open, where he will compete for an Open Era-record sixth title.

"Especially now I come in with great confidence," he said. "I can really rest now, rather than having to work on stuff, so it's just about maintaining. That's also really good for the mind... I know my game is where I want it to be. It's about just keeping that level up right now."

Ferrer was attempting to win his second ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title and 22nd overall. He had recorded his 150th match win in Masters 1000 action after saving two match points in his second-round match against Philipp Kohlschreiber on Wednesday.

FIRST SET - Federer 6-3

With only four sets won in 15 encounters against Federer, an efficient serving display was crucial for Ferrer from the onset.

In three of four matches this week in Cincinnati, the Spaniard won over 60 per cent of second serve points, something he had accomplished on just one occasion against his Swiss opponent. Moreover, Federer had converted on a combined 48 per cent of break points against Ferrer’s serve, entering their 16th meeting.

Ferrer’s game plan was clear in the early stages on Sunday, peppering the Federer backhand with a heavy dose of inside-out forehands. He would dig out of a 0/30 hole in his opening service game, but could not make a dent on the Basel native’s serve, winning just four points through four return games. Federer’s angled wide serve to the ad court consistently produced winners as the set unfolded.

Ferrer would be the first to blink on serve, committing a pair of double faults in the eighth game of the opener, as Federer broke for 5-3. The father of four was forced to navigate tricky waters in serving for the set, immediately facing a 0/40 deficit following a sublime defensive backhand pass from Ferrer. He would stave off four break points in the game, before eventually securing the service hold and the set.

Federer fired seven winners, striking just five unforced errors and won nine of 13 points at the net in the opening set.

SECOND SET - Ferrer 6-1

Federer maintained the pressure on return in the second set, but Ferrer would save all four break points faced in his first service game.

The Spaniard immediately snatched the momentum, converting on a fourth break point of his own in the very next game for a 2-0 lead. Last week in Toronto, Federer was unable to overcome a ruthlessly aggressive Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Ferrer was looking to produce a similar attacking onslaught as the second set progressed.

A second break of serve would lead to a 5-0 lead and the stunned capacity crowd at the Lindner Family Tennis Center was witnessing a sensational comeback by the diminutive 32 year old. Ferrer reeled off a string of eight consecutive points as he edged closer to forcing a decider.

Federer saved a pair of break points while serving to stay in it at 0-5, having relinquished a bagel set on just four previous occasions in his career, but Ferrer would stay the course and onto a third we go…

THIRD SET - Federer 6-2

Ferrer had saved two match points in a second round battle with Philipp Kohlschreiber earlier in the week and he was seeking to complete another impressive turnaround against the World No. 3.

Federer, however, entered the final with a 9-4 record in three-set matches in Cincinnati, and was not a willing participant in Ferrer’s bid to run away with the match. He would break the Javea native in the fourth game, following a perfectly executed drop shot, and consolidate for a 4-1 advantage.

A near-mirror image of the second set, it was Federer who would garner four more break points for an insurmountable 5-1 lead, but Ferrer dug deep to hold. As always, the World No. 6 did not go down quietly, grinding for every point even with his back against the wall at 2-5. But he could not withstand Federer’s closing ability, succumbing on his second championship point when a forehand sailed long.

Federer prevailed after 1 hour and 42 minutes, firing six aces and 32 winners, while breaking serve on three of 14 opportunities.

The father of two sets of twins joked that it was about time he brought his brood a substantial trophy to play with.

"I finally got a big trophy for kids," he said Sunday. "I've been bringing home some smaller ones. I keep telling them they are still trophies, but this one should satisfy them."

"I made the final," said the good-natured Ferrer, winner of one Masters title. "But I can never beat Roger, he's too much for me.

"I'm still lucky to be playing with the best in the world. Roger deserved to win the title.

''The third set, he served unbelievable,'' Ferrer said. ''He played really good and I was a little bit tired. But anyway, with Roger it's difficult, no?'

"He was better, but I was close," said Ferrer, who also lost to Federer last week in Toronto. "I am happy with my game these two weeks. I reached the quarter-final in Toronto and final here playing well every day."

Date: 18th August 2014, Source: ATP and AFP

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Federer, Ferrer to clash in Cincinnati final

Roger Federer secured his berth in a sixth Western & Southern Open final after a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 win against Milos Raonic on Saturday.

The 33 year old Federer next faces 32-year-old Spaniard David Ferrer in the ninth all-Top 10 final of the season. This is the first final between players 30-or-over in Cincinnati in the Open Era and the first time in an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final. Federer has triumphed in all 15 ATP Head to Head meetings against Ferrer.

"I'm playing much better than last year. I can move freely again," Federer told ESPN after the semi-final. "I'm happy the results show. It's more fun playing this way. Now I am playing the right away.

Tomorrow marks Federer's eighth final of 2014 (2-5 record) and his fourth in a row; the Swiss No. 1 triumphed in Halle and finished runner-up at Wimbledon (l. to Djokovic) and the Rogers Cup (l. to Tsonga). The Basel native is looking to capture his 80th tour-level title in his 121st final (79-41), and become the third player in the Open Era with 80-or-more titles (Connors-109, Lendl-94).

"It's great for the confidence to switch from clay to grass to hard courts and keep on playing well. I've had a very complete season so far," added Federer. "This is my eighth final of the season. I hope I can win another final here."

Federer bids to maintain his perfect record in title bouts at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, having lifted the trophy here in 2005 (d. Roddick), 2007 (d. Blake), 2009 (d. Djokovic), 2010 (d. Fish) and 2012 (d. Djokovic).

Oldest Open-Era Cincinnati Champions

Federer (33) or Ferrer (32) will add their name to the list of oldest Cincinnati winners in the Open Era:

Winner (Age) - Year

Ken Rosewall (35) - 1970
Andre Agassi (34) - 2004
Marty Riessen (32) - 1974
Roger Federer (31) - 2012

Sunday's final also marks the seventh tournament in which Federer has reached the championship stage on six or more occasions. Federer has contested the Basel final on 10 occasions (5-5); Halle and Wimbledon, each nine (7-2); the ATP World Tour Finals and Dubai each on eight attempts (6-2) and the US Open six times (5-1).

In the semi-final, the second-seeded Federer claimed all 16 of points on his serve in the first set, his game never in danger against the fifth-seeded Raonic.

In the second set, both players held serve until the eighth game, in which Federer clawed back from 0/40 to break the Canadian. The World No. 3 served out the match in the following game to secure his place in the final in 68 minutes.

"I served very poorly tonight, and that's not going to get it done," said Raonic, who served at 43 per cent. "I have to figure out how to step up against the top guys. Roger's been playing great this summer. He's getting better and better with each match. I have to play better in these matches."

Ferrer reached his seventh Masters 1000 final and second on American soil after defeating Frenchman Julien Benneteau 6-3, 6-2 earlier in the day. The World No. 6 owns a 1-5 record for those finals, including a loss in 2013 to Andy Murray in Miami. This also marks Ferrer's 45th appearance in a final (21-23 record).

"I played very consistently, and got the break, then I could play with calm," he said, calling the match "maybe my best of the week."

"I played without a lot of mistakes but it was difficult to return sometimes."

"Of course I am in a good moment," said Ferrer. "I am in my first final this year in a Masters 1000, so I'm happy for that. I take it step by step and focus for tomorrow."

Ferrer is the sixth Spaniard to reach the Cincinnati final in the Open Era and he is trying to become the third winner after Rafael Nadal (2013) and Carlos Moya (2002). Other Spaniards to reach the final are Juan Gisbert (1971), Manuel Orantes (1973) and Juan Carlos Ferrero (2006).

Date: 17th August 2014, Source: ATP and AFP

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Federer ousts Murray to reach Cincinnati semi-finals

Second seed Roger Federer got out of jail as he rallied from double-break down in the second set to defeat eighth seed Andy Murray 6-3, 7-5 in the Western & Southern Open quarter-finals on Friday.

"In the second set, I lost a little bit of the rhythm," Federer told ESPN after the match. "From the baseline, Murray was hitting the ball well - harder and deeper... I snuck in a quick break, and next thing you know, I'm back. I feel like I stole that second set."

After dropping the first set to Federer, the 27-year-old Murray mounted an attack in the second, elevating his play to break Federer in the third and fifth games for a 4-1 lead. Federer turned the momentum back in his favour, breaking Murray twice and holding serve to draw level at 4-4. Both players held serve until Murray was broken again while serving to stay in the match, at 5-6.

"I started well, I hit the ball well," Federer added. "I was the more aggressive guy out there. I was having more impact from the baseline and on the serve."

"I was playing too well to get down on myself, I took the missed break points as a good sign. I stayed positive out there," he said.

"I felt this could be a good night for me and I wasn't mistaken."

The comeback victory puts Federer within two wins of a sixth Cincinnati crown. In each previous occasion when Federer reached the semi-final stage of this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event, the 33 year old has gone on to lift the trophy (2005, '07, '09-'10, '12). He will face fifth seed Milos Raonic for a place in Sunday's final.

Federer owns a 5-0 record over Raonic, with their last meeting coming at Wimbledon.

"This court suits him the best. He gets a bit more time to set up shots." said Federer. "But it's simple against a big server; you have to focus on your own game, keep him moving and use variety.

"It's a tough match-up but I've done well against him and I hope for one more like that tomorrow."



Federer's defeat of Murray, No. 9 in the ATP Rankings, also makes him the first player in history to win 10 matches against Top 10 players in 10 different seasons. This season, he leads the Tour in victories against the Top 10 (10-4). At the same stage of the season last year, Federer’s record against Top 10 opponents was 1-6.

Murray was making his 10th appearance in Cincinnati. He claimed the crown twice, in 2008 and 2011, defeating Novak Djokovic on both occasions.

"I started the match off pretty slow tonight," said Murray. "Federer came out quick. Then I had a couple break points in back-to-back games to get into it in the first set. I didn't get either of them.

"Then obviously was well up in the second and blew it. It's a shame."

Today's win drew Federer level with Murray in their ATP Head to Head series (11-11), and extended the Swiss No. 1's lead in most matches won at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 level (302-89).

Date: 16th August 2014, Source: ATP and AFP

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Federer to face Murray in Cincinnati QFs

Five-time champion Roger Federer set up a quarter-final clash with two-time titlist Andy Murray at the Western & Southern Open after prevailing against Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in the night session, Thursday in Cincinnati. Murray saved two match points in his win over top American John Isner earlier in the day.

Murray holds a slight edge over Federer in their ATP Head to Head series, 11-10, though the Swiss won their most recent meeting in the Australian Open quarter-finals. They have split their two encounters in Cincinnati.

"I played a really good match against him in Australia," Federer said in a post-match interview with ESPN. "I know he probably wasn't at 100 per cent but I personally played a good match. That's how I have to come out tomorrow.

"I'm happy for him that he's playing well again. He was close against Tsonga last week... could have had a run there. That's why I know the danger of this match tomorrow. I think it was a huge match for him to beat Isner. Those are the kind of matches you need to win to get going again. I know I'm in for a tough one."

Federer, playing Monfils for the first time since a defeat last October in Shanghai, dropped serve to begin his third-round match. He came back, going three for five on his break point chances, to clinch the opening set.

Monfils made a late charge in the second set and continued to put pressure on Federer, earning three chances to break early in the third. He was unable to capitalise, while the World No. 3 went up the decisive break in the eight game and served out the win after one hour and 48 minutes.

"I'm just happy the way I'm playing right now," Federer said. "It was much better than the last couple of matches.

"I was hitting good forehands, not making so many mistakes, returning better," he added. "So there was a lot of positives out in the match. Sometimes frustration, but sometimes that's what Gael does to you. I felt like I missed some opportunities in the second set to close him out, but that's a credit to him. He hung in there."

"I thought I returned pretty well tonight... much better than I have in my previous matches," he said. "That's really what kept me calm throughout the match. I tried to come forward because the conditions are quite fast here. I think that was a good tactic out here tonight."

The 33-year-old Swiss became the first player to reach 300 match wins at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 level on Wednesday with his three-sets win over Vasek Pospisil. He finished runner-up to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga last week in Toronto.

"I have a different eagerness today," said Federer. "I was a bit more erratic when I was younger: good day, bad day, medium day, I was a bit all over the place. I think I've gotten my act together over the years. I think I'm in a good spell right now. I have a lot of tennis in my legs right now. I go day by day. I have a great team behind me and a wonderful family. I'm very much at peace with how I need to play."

Date: 15th August 2014, Source: ATP and AFP

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Federer first to 300 Masters 1000 match wins

Roger Federer has added yet another milestone to his long list of career highlights, becoming the first player to reach 300 match wins at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 level.

The 33-year-old Swiss, who notched his first Masters 1000 win 14 years ago in Miami (d. Gimelstob), posted a 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-2 victory over Canadian Vasek Pospisil on Thursday afternoon in Cincinnati as he began his campaign for a sixth Western & Southern Open title.

“The Masters 1000s are the backbone of the tour,” said Federer. “I know a lot of people talk about the Grand Slams; we care dearly about them, but the majority of the tournaments are Masters 1000s, 500s or 250s."

“We have a certain obligation to play the 1000s, and I think that’s why they’re so popular, that’s why the people show up because they know that the best players will most likely play. I have a few exempts because I’ve been on tour for a very long time so I don’t have to always play, but I choose to because they’re very prestigious and I love playing them, so I’m happy I’m here.”

He improved to a 300-89 match record at this level, ahead of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the second and third positions on the all-time leaders list:

ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Wins Leaders (as of 13 August)

1. Roger Federer - 300-89
2. Rafael Nadal - 281-54
3. Novak Djokovic - 220-54
4. Andre Agassi - 209-73
5. Pete Sampras - 190-70
6. Andy Roddick - 157-70
7. David Ferrer - 150-93
8. Andy Murray - 148-63
9. Tommy Haas - 142-102
10. Tomas Berdych - 140-85

Federer's Masters 1000 Milestone Match Wins

No. 1 Justin Gimelstob - 2000 Miami, 1R
No. 100 Ivan Ljubicic - 2006 Indian Wells, QF
No. 200 Lleyton Hewitt - 2009 Cincinnati, QF
No. 300 Vasek Pospisil - 2014 Cincinnati, 2R

Federer held a chance to clinch the milestone win on Sunday in the Rogers Cup final, but finished runner-up to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. He had been attempting to win his 22nd Masters 1000 title and 80th overall.

"I was one of those guys who struggled early on in the Masters 1000," said Federer. "I know how hard it is to win all these matches because it's always against Top 50 players, if not Top 20, if not Top 10. From that standpoint I'm obviously happy that it is at 300. It's nice."

Against Pospisil, Wimbledon doubles champion with American Jack Sock, whom he had defeated in their previous two ATP Head to Head meetings, Federer edged the first-set tie-break after failing to convert three break point chances early on. With the second set headed towards another tie-break, the Canadian came up big to claim the first break of the match and draw level at one-set all.

Pospisil was unable to maintain the momentum, however, as Federer quickly pulled ahead 5-1 after earning triple break point chances in both the third and fifth games. The World No. 3 closed out the victory with a love service hold as the match passed the two-hour mark.

"We play so close to the line and margins are so small that sometimes we just miss a few shots here and there just because of not having played enough in these conditions, and that can cost you the match," said Federer. "I'm happy I found a way at least today, and I get another chance tomorrow."

In the third round, Federer will Frenchman Gael Monfils, who finished off Center Court action in Wednesday’s night session with a 6-4, 6-1 defeat of 13th seed Roberto Bautista Agut in 59 minutes. Monfils claimed 57 per cent of his first serve points (21 of 26) and broke his Spanish opponent four times. The flashy 27 year old holds a 2-6 ATP Head to Head record against Federer.

Date: 14th August 2014, Source: ATP

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Federer: "Fear is always there from the first rounds"

Roger Federer is approaching his opening match against Vasek Pospisil with extra caution, following Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s first-round exit Tuesday at the Western & Southern Open.

“That's not very good for me, either, when I see that happening,” said Federer, who finished runner-up to Tsonga on Sunday at the Rogers Cup in Toronto.

“From that standpoint, the fear is always there from the first rounds regardless of how you approach a tournament. But a lot of things have happened in the last year for me, and I'm happy that most of it has been really positive for me.”

Federer has experienced a big turnaround since his last visit to Cincinnati. In 2013, tinkering with a new racquet and struggling with back issues, he began his Emirates Airline US Open Series campaign here - following an upset loss in his Gstaad opener a few weeks earlier.

“When I came here, expectations were very, very low,” said Federer. “I was just hoping to win a match. And this year, it's pretty much the same, other than I feel so much better, so much more confident.”

On Wednesday, he will look to become the first player to record 300 match wins at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 level when he faces Pospisil. The Canadian saved three match points against Radek Stepanek on Tuesday, and will be looking to defeat Federer for the first time in their third ATP Head to Head meeting.

“Because I've played last week, I'm just hoping to get through the first round just because I know how hard it is to transition with sort of a day-and-a-half of practice and then having to play a difficult best-of-three set match,” said Federer.  “Of course if I do win that first round, I have higher hopes to going really deep into the tournament and even winning it.”



Federer is contesting the Western & Southern Open for a 14th time, tying Tommy Haas and Pete Sampras for second-most appearances behind Michael Chang’s 16. The World No. 3, who celebrated his 33rd birthday last Friday, already holds the record for most titles in tournament history with five.

“I really don't play for any of those longevity records, to be honest,” he said. “I play because I love to play. I still believe I can still achieve a lot.

“But of course the talk is interesting and some things I didn't even know about:  Like last Sunday when you make a finals again and it's your 120th, trying to win your 80th, those are cool numbers which clearly extra-motivate you.”

Date: 13th August 2014, Source: ATP

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