Federer ends periodical title drought
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Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a return to Mardy Fish of the U.S. during their championship match at the Cincinnati Masters tennis tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 22, 2010. [Xinhua/Reuters Photo] |
Roger Federer is looking to return to form in the men's tennis masters series. The Swiss faced local hero Mardy Fish in the final at Cincinnati.
Fish is playing the best tennis of his career. He's gone 17-2 since July with titles at Newport and Atlanta. The 28-year-old American had won five in a row against top-10 opponents and gained confidence with each upset. This time. Fish forced a tiebreak against Federer, and tied it at 5-all with this volley.
Fish then closed out the opening set 7-6 when Federer's shot went wide. The second set was even tighter. Federer fought off the only break point, and played a more aggressive style in another tiebreaker. He scored on an accurate forehand volley and the Swiss took control.
Federer then wrapped up the set with a 122 mile per hour ace. The players roared into a tense decider. Federer provided the energy with constant movement and finished this rally with a drop shot at the net. A 4-games-all tie finally turned in the Swiss player's direction.
Federer pulled away and answered the pressure. He's lost other finals this season, but didn't look back in Cincinnati. Federer closed out a 6-4 set win and the match. He's now looking ahead to a solid run, and maybe another grand slam-winning performance, at the U-S Open.
Federer said, "Yeah, I am happy. I have no lingering injuries so no problems whatsoever. I am feeling really healthy and fit which was not the case through the grasscourt season and that is a relief. And I am happy I am able to start the American hardcourt so strong."
