Federer heads to US Open in ominous form

World number one Roger Federer heads to the U.S. Open with a sixth tournament win of the year to his name, no evident fitness problems and little sign that his Olympic defeat by Andy Murray has had any adverse effect on his confidence.

The Wimbledon champion came to Cincinnati aiming to fine-tuning his game ahead of Flushing Meadows and showed with his classy performances that there is not much to adjust as he looks for a record-extending 18th grand slam.

The Swiss did not concede a break of serve in winning the tournament and securing his record fifth title at Cincinnati against the world number two Novak Djokovic 6-0 7-6 on Sunday.

"There is no doubt about it beating Novak in a final makes it extra special but then also (it was about) the reaction after losing in the Wimbledon (Olympic) final - to play a great finals after playing a not very good one at the Olympics where I went on to lose nine games in a row, he said. I came here and never dropped my serve. That's the kind of reaction I want to see from myself. I didn't have a letdown."

Among his rivals world number three Rafa Nadal misses the U.S. Open due to a persistent knee injury and Murray pulled out of last week's Toronto Masters event with his own knee problem and then was knocked out in the third round in Cincinnati.

Djokovic won in Toronto and reached his second final in a fortnight but his 6-0 hammering in the first set on Sunday will have left something of a scar.

Federer though looks in perfect condition. He seems fresh and sharp, has all areas of his game in order and is full of confidence.

"Even though I reached almost all goals already this year by securing a medal (at the Olympics), winning Wimbledon, and getting back to world number one, it's important for me to push forward and give myself the best possible preparation for New York," Federer added.

"Then if I can win tournaments, that's even better. I really didn't expect it. Same for Novak, I don't think. We both didn't expect to play so well right after the Olympics, even though we are world one and two.

"I thought it was a great effort by him and also for me. Obviously, this is a fantastic week."

Half of Federer's six titles this year have come in the Masters 1000 series with triumphs at Indian Wells and Madrid before Cincinnati. Federer's record in terms of match wins this year is also impressive - 56 victories and just 7 defeats.

No wonder then that he has no special plans for this week's build-up to Flushing Meadows.

"I rarely do crazy things before slams," he said.

Date: 20th August 2012, Source: Reuters

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Federer wins record 5th Cincinnati crown by beating Djokovic

World No. 1 Roger Federer became the first player in the Open Era to win five Cincinnati trophies, defeating second-ranked Novak Djokovic 6-0, 7-6(7) in Sunday’s Western and Southern Open final.

He becomes the first man ever to win a masters tournament without being broken his serve once.

The Swiss top seed got through a perfect week without losing serve to capture his 76th career trophy. He will go into the US Open as the clear favourite having become the first man to win five titles at the Cincinnati event.

"I've had a magical summer (seventh Wimbledon title, London Olympic silver medal). I feel good about New York - but I'm going to savour this one for a bit," said Federer.

"Even with how well I'm playing you never expect yourself to win these big matches. It's been a great week for me."

Federer's success on Sunday marked his 21st Masters 1000 trophy, pulling him level with Rafael Nadal on the all-time list.

“I'm obviously very happy. If I remember correctly, this was the first win here I had also after I had twins, right? So it's great coming back here,” said Federer. “I've been able to win five. It's obviously incredible because I remember the first few here I struggled. Now looking back it's just unbelievable. Plus this was probably the best week ever here in Cincinnati for me never dropping my serve and all that stuff and beating Novak in the final. This was very sweet. No doubt about it.”

Federer had already won Masters events this year at Indian Wells and Madrid and is 6-2 in finals in 2012, a year highlighted by a seventh Wimbledon title, his 17th career major.

Neither player had dropped serve entering the match, but Federer broke Djokovic in the opening game and stormed to a one-set lead in just 20 minutes. Federer converted three of his four break points, while Djokovic tossed in four double faults to lose the first bagel set in 28 meetings with Federer.

The 25-year-old Djokovic settled into the second set to force a tie-break and held set point at 7/6. But Federer wiped it away with an aggressive tactic at the net and cracked back-to-back forehand winners to claim victory in 80 minutes. Federer was not broken en route to his title run and improved to 16-12 against Djokovic.

"He started very solid from serve," assessed Djokovic. "He was using it very efficiently and putting a lot pressure on my serve. Made a lot of double faults and didn't find my rhythm. Set was over in 20 minutes. I played better in the second. I thought it was very even, and then when I had the chances I didn't use them. He deserved to win."

Date: 19th August 2012, Source: AFP

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Federer, Djokovic to meet in Cincinnati final

World No. 1 Roger Federer and World No. 2 Novak Djokovic booked a showdown in Sunday's final at the ATP Cincinnati Masters with straight set semi-final triumphs on Saturday.

Top seed Federer beat his friend and Swiss compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, while Djokovic, who quit last year's final against Andy Murray with a shoulder problem, advanced by defeating Juan Martin Del Potro 6-3, 6-2.

"It will come down to a few points against Novak," Federer said. "I'll have to play my game and not worry about what he might be doing, especially on break points."

"I missed break points in the Olympic final (against Murray) and I can't do that against him. Novak plays aggressive. He doesn't just push the ball. Novak is amazing on hard court."

"This is a final to look forward to."

It's the first time the world's two top-rated players, neither of whom has dropped a set all week, have met in a Cincinnati final.

It comes in the last tuneup match for Federer and reigning US Open champion Djokivic ahead of the start of this year's US Open on August 27.

Federer's run to the final means he will stay atop the ATP rankings through the end of the US Open.

The Swiss is chasing his fifth title at Cincinnati following triumphs in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010. He is looking to add to season crowns at Wimbledon, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rotterdam and Dubai. He and Djokovic last met in a Wimbledon semi-final, which the Swiss won on the way to capturing the grass-court Grand Slam title.

Federer leads Djokovic 15-12.

Federer needed seven set points to lift an opener lasting almost an hour against Wawrinka, his friend and practice partner who has recently been lent the services of one of Federer's coaches.

But friendship aside, the top seed was ruthless at the end as he shut down Wawrinka as the challenger ended on a double-fault on match point, Federer improving to 55-7 on the season with his 11th win in 12 matches with Wawrinka.

"I had to play great match to beat Stan," Federer said. "He was playing well."

Date: 18th August 2012, Source: AFP

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Federer, Wawrinka to face off in Cincinnati SFs

World No. 1 Roger Federer defeated 10th seed Mardy Fish 6-3, 7-6(4) on Friday evening at the Western & Southern Open to set a semi-final clash with countryman Stanislas Wawrinka.

The top seed won 88 per cent of his first serve points and did not face a break point en route to beating the American for the eighth time in nine meetings. He has now reached the semi-finals or better at 12 of the 13 tournaments he’s played this season.

Friday's attendance of 24,184 fans broke a single-day all-time tournament record, which did not go unnoticed to Federer, who said, “It was a great atmosphere. I think it was sellout crowd. That always makes it exciting. Playing an American here in America, it's always special. It was pretty straightforward. Whoever was going to be more aggressive, serve more consistent, and then play maybe a tiny bit better from the baseline was probably going to win. I'm happy I was that guy tonight.”

Federer is seeking his fifth trophy at this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event. He was victorious in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010. The 31 year old is bidding to win a record-equalling 21st ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown this week. He holds a 10-1 record against Wawrinka, having won their past eight meetings.

“I have a tough matchup with him. It's going to be a difficult one,” Federer said. “It seems like he's playing really well. I'm just excited for him and for me that two Swiss guys can make it to the semis here in Cincinnati. It's great.”

Wawrinka advanced to the semi-finals when he overcame 19th-ranked Milos Raonic 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in two hours and 21 minutes.

“This week I'm playing great tennis,” said Wawrinka. “I had a tough last two months. It was not easy, especially after the French Open. I played a great French Open, but then I lost in the first round at Wimbledon, Gstaad and the Olympics.”

“It was not easy, but I'm really happy to be back on the hard courts. Since the beginning of the tournament, I'm focussed on what I'm doing and I'm happy to be in the semi-final here.”

Date: 18th August 2012, Source: ATP

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Quarters in Cincinnati

Roger Federer defeated Bernard Tomic 6-2, 6-4 today to earn a spot in the quarter finals of the Cincinnati Masters.

Our champ was barely troubled by Tomic, starting with a break in the very first game and never giving away the lead but rather increasing the gap. Roger never had to defend any break points on the way to his victory today, breaking again in the second set to take a 4-3 lead and then wrap up everything nicely against the young Australian after 62 minutes.

Roger will now play Mardy Fish (ATP 20) - he has won 7 of the 8 matches against the American so far.

Date: 16th August 2012, Source: RF Official

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Federer cruises in Cincinnati opener

World No. 1 Roger Federer began his campaign for a fifth Western & Southern Open title by cruising past Alex Bogomolov Jr. 6-3, 6-2 in his second-round match on Wednesday evening in Cincinnati.

Federer wrapped up the victory in one hour, hitting 31 winners and breaking the Russian three times from four opportunities. He saved Bogomolov’s lone break point chance with an ace in the final game of the match.

"I'm very happy. It was a quick match, a good one for me," said Federer. "I served well. I was able to play some good points on the offensive, and overall I'm very pleased because I don't know Bogomolov that well.  I've only played him once, and that was so long time ago I hardly remember. I didn't know what to expect, to be honest.

"Obviously the turnaround from grass to hard court might not be an easy one this year.The ball definitely bounces so much higher here and plays much faster than Wimbledon, so it just takes some getting used to.  I'm happy I was able to find a way."

The Swiss, who celebrated his 31st birthday last week, is making his 12th appearance at this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament and won titles here in 2005, ’07, and ’09-10. He next faces Australian Bernard Tomic, the youngest player in the singles draw at 19 years of age, whom he has defeated in their two previous meetings.

"Obviously he likes the big stage," said Federer. "He likes playing against the best players. That's what gets him going right now.  So it's going to be a difficult match for me, I do believe."

Date: 16th August 2012, Source: ATP

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Roger Federer ready for Cincinnati

Roger Federer would have hoped for more than just the few days of pause he managed after the London Olympic final, but will take what he can get as the world number one prepares for his start on Wednesday at the Cincinnati Masters.

The top seed said even his few days away to celebrate his 31st birthday with his wife and twin daughters was worthwhile for recuperation as he lays the groundwork for his final sprint of the abbreviated summer hardcourt season going into the US Open.

"The last few years we always had at least a two, three-week preparation for the hard courts," said the seven-time Wimbledon winner and Olympic silver medallist behind.

"But this time we've just had two and a half weeks more on grass, so obviously I don't think the preparation is as good as it's been in the previous years."

"I've had better preparations, there's no doubt about it, but it was definitely key for me to take some time off."

"I'm sort of in a tunnel vision right now from the French Open through Wimbledon, the Olympics. Until the US Open (starting August 27) I'm making sure I have enough rest, I play enough, and I stay injury-free."

Federer owns four titles in Cincinnati, which he has played uninterruptedly since 2002.

The Swiss expressed regret for the long-term knee injury absence of Rafael Nadal, who has not played for seven weeks since a Wimbledon second round loss and the flare-up up his chronic knee problems.

"I can't believe he's been out that long," said the Swiss world number one.

"I thought for sure we would see him in Toronto, but now he missed Toronto and Cincinnati. It's very surprising, because it was nothing that we heard of prior to the injury.

"He played so well on clay, and then actually seemed fine at Wimbledon. He had more time by losing earlier at Wimbledon."

"It all came as big surprise, these two pullouts. I'm sad for him. I hope he'll be back for the US Open."

Date: 14th August 2012, Source: AFP

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Friendly draw for Federer in Cincinnati 2012

Four-time Cincinnati champion Roger Federer will be well-rested for the upcoming week after skipping Toronto. Federer also finds himself in a soft quarter of the bracket along with Juan Monaco and Mardy Fish.

Roger Federer will be back in action at the Western & Southern Open after taking a week off and missing the rain-marred Canada Masters. Federer is kicking off his 2012 U.S. Open Series and looking to build on a great grass-court season, during which he won Wimbledon and finished runner-up at the London Olympics.

It appears to be all set up for Federer to capture his fifth Cincinnati title. The top-ranked Swiss is well-rested, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are on the other side of the draw, and his quarter is unquestionably weak.

Fellow seeds in Federer's section are Juan Monaco, Mardy Fish, and Philipp Kohlschreiber. Monaco is in the midst of an outstanding year, but he does his best work on clay and is a Top 8 seed only because of withdrawals from top players like Rafael Nadal and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Fish fared relatively well in Toronto (quarterfinals) but he is still dealing with an ankle injury that he sustained in Atlanta.

Federer awaits the winner of a first-round matchup between Jarkko Nieminen and Alex Bogomolov. Monaco will contest his opener against either Radek Stepanek or Albert Ramos. One first-rounder to watch is battle of rising youngsters, Ryan Harrison and Bernard Tomic.

Date: 12th August 2012, Source: Tennis Talk

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