Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer will battle it out yet again in a final. Novak surviving a huge scare and Federer wrapping things with customary mojo, in their respective semifinals.
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Novak was just two points away from defeat and was pretty much outplayed in the first two sets, while Federer looked an unshakable force as he disposed of Murray, in straight sets again!
Alexandr Dolgopolov was playing the tennis of his life, as he muscled Djokovic all over the court, winning the first set and having plenty of opportunities to get a break in the second. Novak somehow managed to stay in it and took the set to a tie-break.
Dolgopolov led 5-4 with some brutal hitting, his forehand doing the most damage, but the Ukrainian qualifier couldn’t close it out and handed two points on his serve to the numero uno.
Djokovic sealed off the set with a terrific cross court winner and from there on Dolgopolov never looked like getting back on the track, probably the missed chances got the better of his mind.
Novak cruised to win the third set and eventually the match 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2 .
”I gave myself another chance to fight for the trophy,” Djokovic said.
”That was the goal and that was the wish coming here in Cincinnati. Obviously last couple of years, it was always in the back of my mind, the potential history making, and obviously that motivates me even more.
”Having that in back of my mind helped me to go through matches like the one today.”
Dolgopolov was shaky at the big points, making more unforced errors and that’s what cost him the match, even after dominating Novak for most part of it.
“He just makes you play, and (he) plays more careful on the big points,” said the Ukrainian. ”You have to beat him and go for the risk.”
Djokovic is now just a win away from becoming the first man to capture all ATP Masters 1000. However, he has lost four finals here previously.
Up against him will be a man who has ruled the courts of Western & Southern Open, Roger Federer- a six time Cincinnati champion.
”There’s always a lot at stake, this one in particular,” said Roger.
Federer has looked unplayable throughout the week and was in terrific touch against the Scot and notched up another impressive 6-4, 7-6(6) win, making this highly anticipated tie one sided.
Federer was in total command in the first set, hardly losing points on his serve, winning 75% of his second serve points and smashing 14 winners. The second set was a lot closer, but Murray never threatened the Federer serve and succumbed to his fifth straight defeat against the Swiss.
It now sets up a blockbuster finale on Sunday and Roger will look to make the scores even after his Wimbledon defeat to the Serb.
It’s a tough one to pick, based on the current forms you’d say Federer, but Djokovic knows how to elevate his game when it comes down to these titanic title tussles.
Serena Williams will take on Simona Halep in the ladies singles final.