Federer savours Fish

Roger Federer ended a seven-month title drought with a 6-7 7-6 6-4 win over American Mardy Fish in the Cincinnati Masters final on Sunday to successfully defend his last years title.....

Roger Federer ended a seven-month title drought with a 6-7 7-6 6-4 win over American Mardy Fish in the Cincinnati Masters final on Sunday to successfully defend his last years title and send a timely reminder of his class just a week before the U.S. Open. Federer captured his 63rd title in his 90th final and his victory was his fourth at Cincinnati since his first win in the tournament in 2005.

But having failed to win a title since his record 16th grand slam win at the Australian Open in January,a run which included defeat to Andy Murray in the final at Toronto last week,the Swiss needed this boost. Ive been playing well the last couple weeks,and today was just another proof that Im playing really well, he told reporters.

Its nice knowing that the hard work already in the off season after Wimbledon paid off right away. I know its not all (about) work from there but Ive been committed to this sport for many years. I think when you do that and give yourself chances over and over again,youll break through by winning tournaments again.

I came close a couple of times earlier in the season. Should have won Halle,I felt. Could have won Madrid,but things didnt really work my way. I was maybe playing a little bit too passive. Now Im taking it more to the opponents again. Im happy that thats the right game plan right now, he added.

Fish enhanced his growing reputation as a threat on the hard court with a display that bodes well for his chances at Flushing Meadows and his recent run,including wins at Newport and Atlanta,takes him up to 21st in the world.

Andre Agassi,in Miami eight years ago,remains the only American to have beaten Federer in the 15 finals where he has taken on a U.S. player.

Bhupathi-Mirnyi lose in final

Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi suffered their third defeat in an ATP Masters series final this season,losing the summit clash of the Cincinnati event 3-6 4-6 to second seeds Mike and Bob Bryan.

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The defeat means that Bhupathi and Belarusian Mirnyi will have to wait for their first title together since Rome event in 2004. Bhupathi and Mirnyi had lost the Mimai Masters final to Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy and Monte-Carlo final to Nenad Zimonjic and Daniel Nestor.