Roger Federer will head into the U.S. Open on a high note.
Federer won his sixth Western & Southern Open crown and 80th career title by dispatching David Ferrer, 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 in Sunday’s final. Despite being extended to a decisive third set, he improved to 16-0 all-time against the Spaniard.
“It feels great,” Federer said. “I really enjoy playing here. I’ve played some really good tennis here over the years, so it’s nice to come back and win it again.”
Federer has won 18 of his last 20 matches, including winning the title in Halle (Germany), reaching the Wimbledon final and advancing to last week’s final in Toronto, where he lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
“I’m happy how I’m playing,” said Federer, who beat Andy Murray in the quarterfinals and Milos Raonic in the semis. “I know I didn’t beat Rafa [Nadal] or Novak [Djokovic], but it doesn’t matter. I can only control who I’m facing so I’m just really happy how I’m playing. I think I served great, especially the third [set]. I served clutch all week when I had to. I’m moving well and when these things are working, I have a lot of possibilities out there, coming to net, using my slice, using the forehand so things are going really well. Clearly, I can’t wait for the U.S. Open but I need some rest, too.”
Ranked No. 3 in the world, the five-time U.S. Open champ could be seeded as high as No. 2 in Queens if Rafael Nadal does not play. Nadal, the defending U.S. Open champion, has said he will announce this week whether his injured wrist will keep him from playing in New York.
Federer won five straight U.S. Opens from 2004-8 but hasn’t won a Major since Wimbledon in 2012.
The U.S. Open runs Aug. 25-Sept. 8.
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