By Bill Scott Aug 23, 2009, 20:44 GMT
Cincinnati, Ohio - Roger Federer claimed his fourth title of the season as the Swiss superstar made final preparations for the upcoming US Open with a 6-1, 7-5 thrashing of Novak Djokovic to win the Cincinnati Masters on Sunday.
The top seed showed no mercy to his number four rival in a rout lasting 90 minutes. Federer now owns 16 Masters titles, one shy of Andre Agassi's all-time record.
The title was added to 2009 crowns at the Madrid Masters, French Open and Wimbledon for Federer, who will be bidding for his sixth straight US Open crown a week from Monday in New York.
The victory overturned two previous wins for Djokovic this season, in semi-finals at Masters events in Miami and Rome.
'It looks convincing 6-1, 7-5, but if a few points go here or there or your focus is not right on breakpoint, then you'll be broken,' said Federer.
Federer's win was his eighth over Djokovic against four losses. The Serb had booked his place in the title match as he beat Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals, while Federer destroyed Andy Murray in a meeting between the first- and second-ranked players in the world.
'I didn't start very energetic, and my body language wasn't anywhere near the way it was last night. I had a late-night finish and a too-early start today,' Djokovic said.
'I found the good pace in the start of the second set. I thought I would be able to hold on, but he just put too much pressure on my service games.'
Federer, wife Mirka and their month-old twins now head to New York for a week of preparation and promotional appearances before the 28- year-old begins his Grand Slam title defence at the major, which begins on August 31.
'I think that's the special part, especially winning for the first time as a dad. It's a great thing,' Federer said.
'It gets me going emotionally a little bit, because I know it's been a wonderful summer. And going through all of what I've been through and then, now, right away having success again, it's a great moment in my career.'
World number one Federer began the match by winning a marathon 13- minute game, with Djokovic saving six break points before finally dropping to 0-2 with a forehand wide.
That opened the door for Federer, who proceeded to sweep the set in imperious style, allowing the 2008 Australian Open winner one late game before taking the first set in 32 minutes.
Djokovic struck back in the second as he broke for a 2-0 lead on Federer's lob, which sailed just long. The comeback was short-lived, though, with Federer levelling on 3-all from a Djokovic error.
Federer claimed the 61st title of his career as he broke in the penultimate game and closed it out a game later to love.
The trophy was the third for Federer in Cincinnati after winning in 2005 and 2007. He stands 47-7 on the season.
'A good start always helps,' said Federer. 'I've played well this whole week. It's been great for me and unbelievable summer. I couldn't be more happy right now on and off the tennis court.'
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