Sunday 23 August 2015 10:01, UK
Roger Federer defeated Andy Murray in straight sets 6-4 7-6 (8/6) at the Cincinnati Masters to book a mouthwatering clash against world No 1 Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final.
The odds were stacked against Murray from the start, with the British No 1 having played over double the amount of hours of tennis of Federer this week.
It was also Federer's first appearance on the tour since Wimbledon and second with Murray this year after beating him in straight sets at the Grand Slam earlier in the summer.
Federer got off to a quick start and broke Murray in the third game of the match. World No 3 Federer, who is chasing his seventh Cincinnati title, was impressive as he took 38 minutes to claim the first set.
That slow start ultimately cost Murray his chances in the match, as he couldn't find the answer to the clever court craft of the 17-time Grand Slam champion.
Murray had fought back to beat Richard Gasquet to book his place in the last four and he needed to find something extra to get back into this one.
He kept himself in the second set, clinging on to the dream of reaching the final and securing a second seeding at the US Open. But it went with serve and then to a tie-break where 34-year-old Federer prevailed, utilising his second serve with great success.
Federer told Sky Sports Tennis he was happy with his performance: "I was able to play my style and play and do what I wanted to do.
"I did very well I must say, because Andy's been on a great run so I didn't quite know how tired [he'd be] or what to expect."
"Mentally obviously it's a long stretch for Andy now so maybe took I took advantage of that at the very end."
Murray, who has not beaten Federer since the Australian Open in 2013, will now turn his attention to the US Open which begins on August 31.
The Scot said: "I feel okay. I've done well to recover from some tough matches. It's good.
"The positive about losing today is I get the opportunity to have an extra days' rest and recovery. I need that."
Earlier, Djokovic booked his place in the final by beating Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov in three sets.
Djokovic lost the first set to the world No 66 - as he had in Miami earlier this year - but battled back to claim a 4-6 7-6 (7/5) 6-2 victory.
Cincinnati is the only ATP 1000 Masters title that the Serbian has yet to win and he will be looking to put four previous losses in the title match behind him.
