Djokovic finally ends Roger’s run
FEDERER HAD NEVER LOST A FINAL HERE
Serb makes history by winning all nine Masters 1000 events.
Novak Djokovic ended a career-long jinx, lifting the trophy in Cincinnati at last to complete a matched set of Masters 1000 titles. Djokovic, who came up empty in five prior Cincinnati finals, defeated seven-time winner Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4 in the final.
The former world No 1 became the first man to win all nine of the ATP’s Masters 1000 events in the elite series’ current configuration.
Federer, meanwhile, lost a final in the hardcourt US Open tune-up for the first time.
“I played five finals (here) before, and most of those finals I lost to this great man Roger ... thank you for letting me win here once in Cincinnati,” Djokovic joked.
“It’s a dream come true,” Djokovic said. “I finally won Cincinnati after six finals, some against the greatest ever in Roger.”
Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, said his game wasn’t sharp – but he didn’t want to take anything away from Djokovic’s achievement.
“Novak is a great champion,” Federer said. “This is about him making history.”
Federer’s streak of 100 straight unbroken service games here was ended by Djokovic in the seventh game of the first set.
The 37-year-old Swiss had been aiming for a 99th career trophy, but was unable to get over the line due in part to four double-faults at the most inopportune of times.
Djokovic claimed the opening set in 37 minutes and came back from an early break in the second to overhaul his long-time rival as they played for the 46th time.
The Serb now leads Federer 2422 and has won their last three encounters.
The pair had not played since the 2016 Australian Open semifinals.
Federer started the match with three aces in the opening game, then added a pair of love games for a 3-2 lead.
But it began to unravel as the Swiss double-faulted to yield a break point, dropping serve as Djokovic moved ahead 4-3.
Djokovic took advantage for a 5-3 lead and closed out the set after 37 minutes.
Federer broke for a 2-0 lead in the second set but gave the break back immediately as he double faulted to give Djokovic a break point which the Serb promptly converted.
Djokovic broke again to lead 4-3, and after Federer held to close the gap to 4-5, Djokovic wrapped it up on his first match point.