Federer fires US open warning after beating fish for Cincinnati title
Federer firesu00a0US open warning after beating fish for Cincinnati title World No 2 Roger Federer won his second ATP Cincinnati Masters crown in a row yesterday, outlasting American Mardy Fish 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 for his 63rd career title.
The Swiss superstar, who is bidding for a 17th Grand Slam crown when the US Open begins on August 30, matched Bjorn Borg for fifth on the all-time Open Era title list and captured his fourth Cincinnati crown after 2005, 2007 and 2009.
"I have been playing well the last couple of weeks and today was just another proof that I'm playing really well," Federer said.
Federer captured his first title since the Australian Open and served notice he will be difficult to defeat at the US Open, where he lost last year's final to Juan Martin del Potro, who will not defend his title because of an injury.
"It's nice knowing the hard work in the off-season after Wimbledon pays off right away," Federer said. "I've been committed to this sport for many years and when you do that and give yourself over and over again, you will break through by winning tournaments again.
"I was maybe playing a little bit too passive. Now I'm taking it to the opponents again. I'm hoping that that's the right game plan right now."
Bhupathi-Mirnyi lose finale to Bryansu00a0
India's Mahesh Bhupathi and his Belarussian partner Max Mirnyi went down 3-6, 4-6 to American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan in the Cincinnati Masters doubles final yesterday. This was Bhupathi-Mirnyi's third ATP Tour final of the year.
