Novak Djokovic Completes Trophy Case with ATP Cincinnati Title
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

Novak Djokovic became the first player in the ATP era to claim all four Grand Slams, and all nine Masters level titles in his career after claiming victory in the Western and Southern Open ATP Cincinnati final defeating Roger Federer 6-4 6-4 in a gripping final where most of the pressure was on Djokovic’s shoulders. Djokovic had never defeated Federer in Cincy previous, and of course he’d never won the title. Still building his comeback post elbow surgery as he aims to return to an elite level, facing off with the still elite Federer looked to be a tough matchup. Djokovic cracked the code though as he was much stronger on serve than Fed. The Swiss tried to play aggressive both from the baseline, and at the net, but he generated too many errors, outpacing his winners. Djokovic was confident and calm and despite going a break down in set 2, he recovered nicely to ease to a straight set win that should set him up as the co-US Open favorite.

Djokovic had to battle this week in Cincy, and not just in the final. Steve Johnson pushed him in the first round, then he dropped sets against Adrian Mannarino, Grigor Dimitrov, Milos Raonic, and Marin Cilic, but battled back each time to reach the final in what were relatively high quality contests.

Federer dropped just a set before the final, as he was tested by an improving Stan Wawrinka, his other wins came against Peter Gojowczyk, Leonardo Mayer, and David Goffin, Goffin had to retire in the semifinal match.

The doubles final was won by Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares as they defeated Cabal/Farah.