Monday 18 August 2014 10:52, UK
Roger Federer clinched his first Masters 1000 title in two years by beating David Ferrer 6-3 1-6 6-2 in the final of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.
The 17-time grand slam winner recovered from a terrible second set to claim his biggest title since he took the spoils at the same event in 2012.
Federer was not quite at his consistent best – almost being bagelled in the second set – but did enough in the first and third to wrap up the win in an hour and 42 minutes and claim his sixth victory in Cincinnati.
I think they’re happy I’ve got a big trophy because I’ve been bringing home some smaller ones (recently).
Ferrer, playing more aggressively than usual, hit 29 winners and 24 unforced errors during the match, with Federer tallying 32 and 28 respectively.
"I've played David (a lot) over the years so we've got to know each other. It's never easy," said Federer, his comments betraying the fact he now has a 16-0 lead against the Spaniard in the head-to-head stakes.
"He's such an unbelievable fighter and a true professional and an inspiration for all of us."
He added of his children, who were in attendance: "I think they're happy I've got a big trophy because I've been bringing home some smaller ones (recently).
"I'm happy I got the big one and it’s great being able to travel with the family, it keeps me going."
Federer, who now has 80 titles in total on the ATP Tour, looked like he was easing to victory when he wrapped up the first set in nine games, although he did have to save four break points.
However, Ferrer hit back by breaking in game two of the second set and, after consolidating the advantage, took a 4-0 lead when Federer sliced a backhand tamely into the net on break point.
After holding serve again Ferrer had two points for a bagel but the second seed avoided a total shutout by turning things around to hold serve. Ferrer then levelled the match in the next game.
Federer held firm to hold his first two service games of the third set before going 15-40 up on the Ferrer serve. The sixth seed saved the first with a brilliant volley but Federer took the second with a forehand drop shot.
He quickly consolidated the break and although he squandered four more break points in the sixth game, he converted a match point on the Ferrer serve next time around to complete the victory.
