Federer fires timely warning by ending barren run

MASON, Ohio, (Reuters) – Roger Federer ended a  seven-month title drought with a 6-7 7-6 6-4 win over American  Mardy Fish in the Cincinnati Masters final yesterday to send a  timely reminder of his class just a week before the U.S Open.

Federer captured his 63rd title in his 90th final and his  victory was his fourth at Cincinnati since his first win in the  tournament in 2005.

But having failed to win a title since his record 16th grand  slam win at the Australian Open in January, a run which included  defeat to Andy Murray in the final at Toronto last week, the  Swiss needed this boost.

“I’ve been playing well the last couple weeks, and today was  just another proof that I’m playing really well,” he told  reporters.

“It’s nice knowing that the hard work already in the off  season after Wimbledon paid off right away. I know it’s not all  (about) work from there but I’ve been committed to this sport  for many years. I think when you do that and give yourself  chances over and over again, you’ll break through by winning  tournaments again.

“I came close a couple times earlier in the season. Should  have won Halle, I felt. Could have won Madrid, but things didn’t  really work my way.

“I was maybe playing a little bit too passive. Now I’m  taking it more to the opponents again. I’m happy that that’s the  right game plan right now,” he added.

Fish enhanced his growing reputation as a threat on the hard  court with a display that bodes well for his chances at Flushing  Meadows and his recent run, including wins at Newport and  Atlanta, takes him up to 21st in the world.

There was nothing to choose between the pair in a tight  opening set which Fish won on a tiebreak but the momentum  shifted in the second set when Federer, facing defeat, raised  his game a notch to run out a 7-1 winner in another tiebreak.
Fish maintained his focus on continued to serve and return  well but Federer produced the first break of the match to go 5-4  up and then kept serve to win.

Andre Agassi, in Miami eight years ago, remains the only American to have beaten Federer in the 15 finals where he has taken on a U.S player. The latest triumph came after just three hours and 25  minutes of tennis in the tournament before the final, thanks to  a first round bye, a retirement by his second round opponent and  a third round walkover.