Roger Federer won a record seventh Cincinnati title this past Sunday after getting the better of World No.1 Novak Djokovic in the final.
The crowd witnessed some sublime tennis from the maestro which included some new tactics to surprise his opponents. Yes, the 17-time Grand Slam champion attacked the second serves of his opponents from the service box giving very little time for his opponents to react from the baseline.
Big serving South African Kevin Anderson was no match for Federer on the day, succumbing to his worst defeat on the tour.
2-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray was also at the recieving end of half volley returns from the forehand of the Swiss in a straight sets defeat in the semifinal. Djokovic was not spared in the final as well. All he did was smile at the incredible volleying skills of Federer.
The Serb had to do more on his second serves which resulted in three double faults in the second game of the second set, which eventually cost him the match.
“It can break somebody's rhythm. Maybe can play with the mind a little bit,” Federer said. “Plus, if the success rate all of a sudden is more on the plus 50 percent...you know, why not use that quite often as well,” Federer was quoted as saying by tennis.com.
The World No. 2 also said that he will use the shot more judiciously.
“I’ve still got to understand when I can do it when I should and shouldn't do it," he said. “But I'm happy that when I'm doing it I'm not looking ridiculous up there. It's fun for me to do.”
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