Federer beats Djokovic for fifth Cincinnati title

Roger Federer, from Switzerland, hits a backhand against Novak Djokovic, from Serbia, during the men’s final at the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament on Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012, in Mason, Ohio. Federer won 6-0, 7-6 (7). (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

CINCINNATI, Ohio—Roger Federer won his sixth title of the season as he beat Novak Djokovic 6-0, 7-6 (9/7) in a battle between the top two players in the world on Sunday at the Cincinnati Masters.

The Swiss top seed got through a perfect week without losing serve to capture his 76th career trophy.

It was also his 16th win in 29 meetings against world number two Djokovic and it means he will go into the US Open as clear favourite having become the first man to win five titles at the Cincinnati event.

Federer’s success on Sunday marked his 21st Masters 1000 trophy, pulling him level with Rafael Nadal on the all-time list.

At the age of 31, Wimbledon champion Federer also became the oldest Cincinnati winner since Andre Agassi who was 34 when he won in 2004.