Roger Federer is one of two players with 100 ATP titles. The Swiss celebrated his 80th trophy in Cincinnati 2014, continuing his chase with Ivan Lendl and Jimmy Connors. After missing notable titles in 2013, Federer bounced back a year later, conquering his favorite Cincinnati event and securing his first Masters 1000 trophy in two years. Roger lost two finals at Wimbledon and in Toronto, eager to change that in Cincinnati. Federer made a relatively slow start against Vasek Pospisil and Gael Monfils. He raised his level against the top-10 opponents, Andy Murray and Milos Raonic, setting the final meeting versus David Ferrer on August 17. It was their 16th clash on the Tour, and Federer delivered the 16th triumph. He beat the Spaniard 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 in an hour and 42 minutes, lifting his 80th ATP title. Thus, Roger became only the third player in the Open era to achieve that after Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl!
The Swiss won eight points more than the Spaniard, playing better on the first and second serve. The competitors hit more winners than unforced errors, backed by 25 break chances that entertained the crowd. Roger repelled nine out of 11 and grabbed three return games from 14 opportunities, dominating in sets he won to secure his sixth Ohio trophy. Ferrer had the advantage in the more extended exchanges with five strokes or more. Still, he could not keep pace with Federer in the shortest area up to four shots. Roger forged a 54-38 advantage, which gave him victory. Federer fired up his engines right from the opening point, holding in the encounter’s first game with an ace and moving 2-1 in front with another comfortable hold. David was there to fight, though. He brought the sixth game home with a service winner to level the score at 3-3 after just 17 minutes, looking determined to give Roger a run for his money.
Roger Federer won his 80th ATP title at 33 in Cincinnati 2014.
On the other hand, everything worked like a charm for Roger. He took the seventh game with three winners and moved 5-3 up after Ferrer’s costly double fault. Suddenly, David created three break chances a few minutes later. Still, it was not to be for him, denied by two volley winners from Federer, who played against another break point when his forehand landed long. Roger erased it with a service winner and wrapped up the opener in 30 minutes when David’s backhand finished outside the court. The Spaniard saved four break chances in the second set’s opening game. He earned three opportunities in game two, eager to forge his first advantage. Federer fended them off with three winners before Ferrer converted the fourth after forcing Roger’s backhand error. A powerful hold at 15 propelled David 3-0 in front. In those moments, he stood as the dominant figure on the court, seizing another break in game four when Federer’s drop shot failed to pass the net.
Ferrer held at love to sprint into a 5-0 advantage, claiming 15 of the last 17 points and leaving Federer far behind! Things went from bad to worse for the Swiss, who had to save a set point in game six to avoid a bagel! He did that with a volley winner at the net and repelled another with a good serve to clinch the game and grab at least some momentum. David saved a break point in game seven, and the set was in his hands after a backhand down the line winner. He matched Roger’s numbers in the quickest exchanges and created a lead in those extended ones that delivered the set for him.
It was important for Federer to leave this part of the encounter behind and make a strong start in the deciding set. He fired a service winner to take the opening game and added four more direct points in game three for 2-1. His forehand meant business again, providing a game-changer. Federer broke Ferrer in game four to open up the advantage and wrapped up the next one with four winners for 4-1. David saved numerous break chances to reduce the deficit in game six, but that was all we saw from him. Federer held quickly after that with four winners, forcing his rival to serve to stay in the match. The Spaniard suffered another break in game eight when his backhand missed the baseline, and Roger started a celebration of his most notable title in two years.
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