Djokovic Downs Federer to Win First Cincy Title

Bertens Upends Halep For Biggest Title of Her Career

August 20, 2018 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Djokovic (2)
Photo Credit: Lee Seidner

 

Novak Djokovic became the first man to win all nine ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments as he claimed the Western & Southern Open championship in Cincinnati on Sunday.

Djokovic continued his late-summer run as he defeated Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4 in his sixth attempt in the Cincinnati championship.

“Obviously it’s a very special moment to stand here for the first time with the winning trophy here in Cincinnati,” said Djokovic. “The hard times I went through, it’s been a rollercoaster ride in my career with injury, taking time off and having a surgery earlier this year. This seems a bit unreal to be back at this level.”

Djokovic took advantage of an uncharacteristically inconsistent Federer, who hit 39 unforced errors throughout the one hour and 24 minute match. The Serb has now won three straight matches against Federer and leads the all-time head-to-head 24-22.

“I was saying previously that during this week this trophy has been a motivation; a big motivation for me,” said Djokovic. “But at the same time I tried not to think about the pressure of really making history too much, because I have had already some failed attempts.

Coming into today’s match, it wasn’t easy psychologically because I knew I lost to him every time I played him on this court. But at the same time, I liked my chances because I felt better and better as the tournament was progressing. It was by far the best performance of the week.”

Earlier in the day, Kiki Bertens stormed back to stun World No. 1 Simona Halep 2-6, 7-6(6), 6-2 to win the Cincinnati title, the biggest of her career.

“I think I didn’t have really a good time to get nervous, because I was just so tired,” said Bertens. “I think it was such a tough match, and after winning that second set I knew anything is still possible.”

With the title, Bertens now climbs four spots to the reach the highest ranking of her career, No. 13 in the world.

 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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