Novak Djokovic completes Golden Masters by beating Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic became the first singles player to complete the Golden Masters as he beat Roger Federer in the Western & Southern Open final.
The Serbian cruised to a 6-4 6-4 win over his long-running rival to clinch the only ATP Masters tournament he had yet to win.
He is now 5/2 favourite with Sky Bet for the forthcoming US Open.
Five years after securing his eighth different crown, the former world number one was able to claim the elusive ninth and final title of the set, having lost five previous finals in Cincinnati - three to Federer.
Djokovic did not win a set in either of those defeats but he took the first this time. The Swiss took an early break in the second, but a shaky service game and a rare double fault handed the break right back to his opponent.
Federer struggled with his footwork and was unable to capitalise on Djokovic's second serve, opening the door for the Serbian's decisive break at 4-3. Djokovic held his nerve, sealing the win on his first match point after just an hour and 25 minutes on court.
Speaking on court after the match, Djokovic said: "Obviously it's a very special moment to stand here for the first time with the winning trophy here in Cincinnati.
"The hard times I went through, it's been a rollercoaster ride in my career with injury, taking time off and having a surgery earlier this year. This seems a bit unreal to be back at this level."
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