Federer Dominates Djokovic to Win 2012 Western and Southern Open

Roger Federer won a record fifth Western & Southern Open Men’s Singles Title on Sunday, defeating Serbian Novak Djokovic 6-0, 7-6(7). Next up for Federer is the 2012 U.S. Open, having recovered from the London Olympics by skipping the Rogers Cup in Toronto immediately following the London Games.

Starting with the U.S. Open last year, Djokovic had won three straight tournament semifinals against Federer. Federer turned the tide by winning against Djokovic in the semifinals at Wimbledon.

“I’m obviously very happy. If I remember correctly, this was the first win here I had also after I had twins, right? So it’s great coming back here,” said Federer. "I’ve been able to win five. It’s obviously incredible because I remember the first few here I struggled. Now looking back it’s just unbelievable. Plus this was probably the best week ever here in Cincinnati for me never dropping my serve and all that stuff and beating Novak in the final. This was very sweet. No doubt about it.”

Federer took the first set in only 20 minutes. During the set, Djokovic was only able to win 10 points. In their 28 career meetings, neither of them have ever taken a set 6-0 before Cincinnati. Federer has not won a tournament final since 2007 with taking a set 6-0.

Djokovic’s schedule could have heavily impacted his performance in Cincinnati. He won the Rogers Cup last week in Toronto after just returning from the Olympics in London. 

Federer is now 6-0 in Cincinnati finals, tying Rafael Nadal for the most Masters Titles with 21. Nadal did not play as he dropped out with the same sore knee that has kept him from the Olympics and upcoming U.S. Open. Djokovic has had 15 straight wins on hard courts leading up to the Open. 

"He [Federer] started very solid from serve," said Djokovic. "He was using it very efficiently and putting a lot pressure on my serve. Made a lot of double faults and didn’t find my rhythm. Set was over in 20 minutes. I played better in the second. I thought it was very even, and then when I had the chances I didn’t use them. I didn’t step into the court, and he deserved to win."