After reaching the title game in 2008, Novak Djokovic was again one of the players to beat in Cincinnati a year later. The Serbian faced Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer en route to the title, and overcame the first hurdle in style after beating the Spaniard 6-1, 6-4 in the semifinals in one hour and 32 minutes.
Novak beat Nadal for the fifth time in 19 games to advance to the 10th Masters 1000 final and set up the title match against Federer a day later. Playing only the second tournament after Roland Garros and tendonitis in both knees, Nadal beat three opponents to enter the last four.
However, he didn’t stand a chance against Djokovic as the Serbian had the advantage on serve and comeback from start to finish. Novak shot 21 winners and took 15 more points than Rafa, defending the only breaking point he faced and stealing the opponent’s serve three times for a place in the final.
The Serbian built the crucial lead in the shorter four-stroke lineup and dominated the Spaniard to end the losing streak against one of the biggest rivals. Novak broke in Game 4 of the first set with a cross backhand and shot one with his right wing minutes later to confirm the lead and advance 4-1.
Nadal missed a setback in Game 6 and Djokovic secured the opening set with a winning serve soon after. Rafa saved three break opportunities early in the second set and closed it with an ace to stop his downfall.
The Spaniard served in Game 4 and missed a backhand to break through and push the Serbian 3-2 forward.
Haas thinks about Federer
Tommy Haas believes that even though Roger Federer is happy with the career he has had so far, the Swiss still have a burning desire to make another comeback on tour and retire as he pleases.
The German stressed that the Swiss are always “hungry” for success and want the luxury of ending their illustrious career on their own terms. “He’s happy,” Haas added. “He has no reason not to be.
He knows that there is a lot of gratitude in him. He loves life. But he’s still hungry. He still hopes he can come back. He wants to stop when he wants, decide when it’s time to say that you don’t like it anymore (because) you lose too much ”.
Roger Federer underwent a third knee surgery a few weeks ago and was pictured with crutches during the recent Laver Cup. “It will all depend on how he (Roger Federer) can overcome that (knee surgery) physically,” Tommy Haas said. “We will have an element of response in March, April, May”.
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