After a series of near misses, Roger Federer has finally added a 22nd Masters 1000 crown to his illustrious career. The Swiss all-time great fought off the challenge of the younger generation to clinch his 80th trophy and 6th in Cincinnati. He became just the third player in the Open Era to achieve that tally after Jimmy Connors (109) and Ivan Lendl (94).
Although very familiar with the Cincinnati setting, the week wasn't quite a walk in the park for Federer. He had to withstood the fierce opposition of young gun Vasek Pospisil, ultra-talented showman Gael Monfils, always dangerous Andy Murray, respectively warrior David Ferrer en route to the title.
"I'm very happy about the week," said Federer. "Just overall it went from good to great. Just really pleased that I was able to back up a tough week last week already."
The success marks a good change in fortunes for Federer who lost already four important finals this season, in Indian Wells (to Djokovic), Monte Carlo (to Wawrinka), Wimbledon (to Djokovic), and last week in Toronto (to Tsonga).
Next up for Roger is the US Open where he'll try to end a two-year draught in Grand Slams. "Especially now I come in with great confidence," he said. "I can really rest now, rather than having to work on stuff, so it's just about maintaining. That's also really good for the mind ... I know my game is where I want it to be. It's about just keeping that level up right now." You go, Federer! #letswinthis
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