Djokovic tops Federer for first Cincinnati title, will head into US Open as favorite

By ADAM ZAGORIA

Novak Djokovic had never won the Western & Southern Open despite reaching the final five times.

Now he has.

The 31-year-old Serb solidified his position as the favorite for the upcoming US Open by beating Roger Federer, 6-4, 6-4, to win his first Cincinnati tile on Sunday.

Djokovic also became the first man to win all nine Masters 1000 titles.

Odds to win the ⁦@usopen⁩. Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have won the last 7 Majors and 50 total. pic.twitter.com/auSZtlEUwt

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) August 18, 2018

Federer was seeking his eighth title in Cincinnati. He most recently won the title in 2014 and ’15 and hadn’t played the event since then.

Federer, Djokovic to meet in Cincinnati final

MASON, Ohio — Roger Federer has won the Western & Southern Open seven times.

Novak Djokovic has never won it despite reaching the final five times.

Now the two will meet in the final for a fourth time on Sunday after both men won their semifinals on Saturday.

Federer advanced in the second semifinal after David Goffin retired with a right shoulder injury, trailing 7-3(3), 1-1.

Goffin retires with a right shoulder injury at 1-all in the 2nd set and the tennis world will get a Federer-Djokovic final on Sunday at 4 ET https://t.co/RNPuISuzms

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) August 19, 2018

Federer most recently won the title in 2014 and ’15 and hasn’t played the event since then. He had to play two matches Friday due to rain and then turn around and play the semifinal Saturday.

“I got to bed at 3:30 in the morning [Saturday] so I’m tired,” Federer said on ESPN of playing two matches in one day. “I’m going to recover for tomorrow and hopefully I’ll be better tomorrow.”