Former world number one Novak Djokovic became the first player to win all nine Masters 1,000 tournaments with victory over Roger Federer in Cincinnati.<\/p>\n
The 31-year-old Serb, a five-time runner-up at the event, beat seven-time champion Federer 6-4 6-4.<\/p>\n
Wimbledon champion Djokovic had lost the Cincinnati final to the Swiss on three previous occasions.<\/p>\n
“It’s a very special moment,” he said. “It’s the first time I get to stand with a winning trophy in Cincinnati.”<\/p>\n
Victory for world number two Federer would have brought him his 99th career trophy, as well as levelling the long-time rivals’ head-to-head record at 23-23.<\/p>\n
Djokovic will now look to take his form into the US Open, which starts on 27 August, having previously won two titles at Flushing Meadows.<\/p>\n
Federer was under pressure from the start, saving two break points before holding to win the first game.<\/p>\n
World number 10 Djokovic eventually broke his opponent’s serve for 4-3 before holding to win the opening set.<\/p>\n
But Federer started the second set the strongest, racing into a 2-0 lead before Djokovic fought back to level at 2-2.<\/p>\n
He earned another decisive break at 4-3 before serving for victory on his first championship point in one hour and 24 minutes to complete a career ‘Golden Masters’.<\/p>\n
Federer said: “Congratulations to Novak for your amazing effort not just this week, but throughout your whole career, it is an amazing achievement.<\/p>\n
“It’s been a great week, tough on the players but we had a fun time.”<\/p>\n