By Erik Gudris | Sunday, August 17, 2014
Roger Federer finished off an impressive week by winning his sixth Cincinnati title over David Ferrer.
Photo Credit: AP
Roger Federer didn't let a defiant David Ferrer stop him from winning a sixth Western & Southern Open title at Cincinnati.
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Federer entered this match owning a peerless 15-0 head to head record against Ferrer. But the always fighting Spaniard proved he is at least making Federer work harder in their matches. That proved the case last week in Toronto and again in Sunday's final.
Ferrer came out playing aggressive especially on his serve and forehands. Federer countered by again charging to the net as he had throughout the week. Though Ferrer kept things close for 3-all, he soon ran into trouble.
Tossing in two double faults and several errors during his next service game, Ferrer handed over a 5-3 break lead to Federer. Ferrer threatened Federer's serve by leaping out to 0-40. Federer fought off all three break points and then another with a good body serve before closing out the set 6-3.
Ferrer almost lost all momentum at the start of the second set when he battled for over 11 minutes to hold serve in the opening game. That gave Ferrer more resolve as he stepped up his attack on Federer's own serve.
With strong returns, Ferrer eventually converted the break for 2-0.
Federer's level dropped as Ferrer's rose in kind. Federer, who by now was losing more points up at net then winning them, dropped his serve again for 4-0.
Ferrer threatened to claim a rare bagel set off Federer later in the set. Down 0-5 and set point, Federer saved the game and made Ferrer serve for it. The Spaniard, making sure a low backhand landed in, did just that for 6-1.
If Ferrer was hoping this would be the day he would finally get Federer, he had to also hope that Federer's level would stay flat. That didn't happen as Federer immediately started serving better in the final set.
While Ferrer's returning had been a big part of the match, Federer would make sure his own would make the highlight reel.
Holding break point a 2-1, Federer responded to a weak second serve from Ferrer with a strong forehand return. That set up a winning drop volley giving Federer the break. An easy service hold later had Federer quickly up 4-1.
Ferrer fought to stay in the contest, but Federer wouldn't let go of his advantage. After another easy service hold for 5-2, Federer made his move in the final game.
Federer pressured Ferrer's serve yet again and that would give Federer several match points. Ferrer sent one last backhand over the baseline and that allowed Federer to celebrate the 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 victory.
This is now the sixth Cincinnati title in Federer's career and his 80th overall title. It's also his first ATP 1000 Masters title in the last two years.
Despite his efforts, Ferrer summed up the match by saying later, "I can never beat Roger, he's too much for me. In the seniors tour I will win."
Federer spoke just after the match to ESPN's Brad Gilbert and gave his thoughts on the week.
"Thought the finals was good. The whole tournament was good. Beat three top tenners along the way. I've just been enjoying myself on the court and playing postive tennis so it's really encouraging."
Federer believes his game is in the right place to give him a good opportunity in New York.
"I'm happy how I'm playing. I know I didn't beat Rafa (Nadal) or Novak (Djokovic) but it doesn't matter," Federer said. "I served great in the third, I served clutch all week when I had to I'm moving well. Things are going really well and I'm looking forward to the U.S. Open."