Ohio, Aug. 23: 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 on Sunday to send a timely reminder of his class just a week before the US 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 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.
Meanwhile, India’s Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi of Belarus went down 3-6, 4-6 to second-seeded Americans Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan in the men’s doubles final. Fourth-seeded Bhupathi and Mirnyi led 2-0 in the first set of Sunday’s final but the Bryans fought back to reel the next five games for a set lead. It was Bhupathi and Mirnyi’s third defeat in an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final this season, having also lost out in Miami and Monte-Carlo.