By ADAM ZAGORIA
Novak Djokovic had never won the Western & Southern Open despite reaching the final five times.
Now he has.
The 31-year-old Serb solidified his position as the favorite for the upcoming US Open by beating Roger Federer, 6-4, 6-4, to win his first Cincinnati tile on Sunday.
Djokovic also became the first man to win all nine Masters 1000 titles.
Odds to win the @usopen. Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have won the last 7 Majors and 50 total. pic.twitter.com/auSZtlEUwt
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) August 18, 2018
Federer was seeking his eighth title in Cincinnati. He most recently won the title in 2014 and ’15 and hadn’t played the event since then.
Djokovic, who was coming off winning Wimbledon for his 13th career major, now leads Federer 24-22 all-time. Djokovic also leads 12-6 in finals.
“My sixth time, I’ll try to win the title,” he said before the final. “Obviously this time I’m hoping I get my hands on the trophy.”
“If he won all Masters 1000s, it’s a special thing,” Federer said. “It’s incredible.”
Djokovic snapped Federer’s streak of 100 straight holds in Cincinnati en route to taking the opening set.
Century mark! ?@rogerfederer notches his 100th consecutive service hold at #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/0i1gXjBJB8
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 19, 2018
In the second set, Federer broke Djokovic for a 2-0 lead, but then was immediately broken back. Djokovic broke Federer again in the seventh game for a 4-3 lead.
Throughout the match, Federer looked more rushed and frustrated as he was unable to win points easily on his serve or or put Djokovic away easily from the baseline.
Djokovic will move up to No. 6 in the world on Monday and will be a dangerous “floater” at the Open, which will release its draw on Thursday.
He could wind up in the same quarter as No. 2 seed Federer or No. 1 Rafael Nadal, whom Djokovic beat in the Wimbledon semifinals.
