New father Federer proves family life helps his tennis (News Feature)

By Bill Scott Aug 24, 2009, 15:21 GMT

Cincinnati, Ohio - Roger Federer has proved that fatherhood is good for his game after winning his fourth title of the season at the Cincinnati Masters. And the Swiss juggernaut looks set to keep rolling during this week's tune-up for the US Open.

Federer's resounding 6-1, 7-5 victory over Novak Djokovic to overturn a two-match loss streak against the Serb marked Federer a major favourite to lift his sixth straight title at Flushing Meadows form next Monday.

The win came in his second event back after the July 23 birth of twin daughters Charlene and Myla.

'I had a good mindset and I had a good nine months to get ready for it, which helped,' the Swiss said of the new turn in his life.

Federer said his wife Mirka was relaxed during the pregnancy and he knew she would be great support and would not mind the travelling if necessary.

While the new mum never made it to the courts in either Montreal or Cincinnati, Federer could feel her support.

'This lets me be free in my mind and being able to do what I do best. The hard work I put in between Wimbledon and Montreal - things went great.

'I was three weeks at the hospital, but I also went for practise almost every day except obviously during the time of the birth and right after.

'My conditioning trainer was really happy with the work I put in, and I had a great practice week with Stefan Koubek, who came over from Austria.'

With his 2009 trophy haul comprising two Grand Slams and two Masters 1000 events, Federer is confident. 'Actually I'm playing very well at the movement.

'I was always going to be confident after winning those big titles in a row. I knew when I was coming over here it was just not just to show up, but to really do something.

'That it has already paid off so quickly I'm a little bit surprised. But it's been great, and now I look forward to New York.'

Losing finalist Djokovic was shrugging off bad karma despite his fourth loss this season in a Masters final. 'Unfortunately I was born in the wrong era,'said the 22-year-old world number four.

'I was very close in most of those finals. But I don't think this is some kind of curse or something. It's just the day.

'Everybody is playing tennis. (Rafael) Nadal and Federer, and of course (Andy) Murray, they're all playing fantastic tennis.

'And Roger and Rafa are maybe the best players that ever played this game. Roger for sure is.'