Federer adds another title to collection

Associated Press

MASON

Roger Federer ended his mini-vacation with another Masters title.

A well-rested Federer beat American Mardy Fish 6-7 (5), 7-6 (1), 6-4 on Sunday, winning his second straight Cincinnati Masters championship and fourth overall.

He was barely on the court all week because his opponents got hurt and his game was so good.

For the first time, the world’s second-ranked player was pushed to the limit. Fish kept it as close as could be, dropping the final set after the match’s only service break.

That time off came in handy.

“Maybe I was just a touch fitter than him today,” Federer said.

The Swiss star ended a streak of three straight losses in tournament finals, winning his first Masters event since Cincinnati last year.

His 63rd career title tied Bjorn Borg for fifth place in the Open Era. Pete Sampras is fourth at 64, and Jimmy Connors holds the record with 109.

It took him 2 hours, 40 minutes — an eternity compared to how the rest of the week went. Federer had spent only 3 hours, 17 minutes on court while getting to the title match.

Credit Fish for making him sweat one out.

The American had surgery on his left knee last September, then set about rebuilding his body. He changed his diet, lost 30 pounds and gained a lot of speed on the court.

This Fish can fly.

His agility allowed him to extend points and keep up with Federer, who was clearly fresher. Federer lost to Andy Murray in the title match at Toronto last Sunday, came to town and got a mini-break. He was on court for only 28 minutes in his opening match before Denis Istomin hurt his ankle. Federer didn’t even have to leave the locker room to advance a day later. Philipp Kohlschreiber dropped out because of a sore shoulder.

Federer sailed through his next two matches, winning each in two tidy sets. Fish provided his first real test.

The 28-year-old American is on the best stretch of his career, going 17-2 since July with titles at Newport and Atlanta. He’d won five in a row against top-10 opponents, gaining confidence with each upset.

The title match was an opportunity for a breakthrough win. Fish had reached only two other Masters finals — including Cincinnati in 2003 against close friend Andy Roddick — and lost both of them.