Federer Strikes Again, Takes Cincinnati Title From Mardy Fish, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4

Roger Federer Takes Third Set, Championship

Even facing straight-sets elimination in a second-set tiebreaker, all Roger Federer needed was one break.

Federer got it by winning the tiebreaker to even his match with Mardy Fish at one set apiece, then Federer broke Fish's serve--indeed, the only service break of the entire match--at 4-4 to put him one game away from victory. He converted without serious difficulty, and Roger Federer is your 2010 Western & Southern Financial Group Masters champion.

Federer will take home the lion's share of the $2.4 million purse, and looks to be back in championship shape for the US Open looming just two weeks away.

Federer and Fish Split Tiebreakers In First Two Sets

As mentioned earlier, Mardy Fish surprised fans by taking the first set from Roger Federer in a tiebreaker. Turnabout being fair play, Federer returned the favor and won the second set via tiebreaker after Fish forced the issue.

Fatigue may play a part in the rest of the match; as the CBS crew pointed out, Fish has spent almost seven more hours on the court this week than Federer. Further, the temperature and humidity are climbing in Mason--the heat index is up to 89 degrees--which would only exacerbate any existing differences in conditioning at this point in the tournament.

In Progress: Roger Federer Tries To Defend Cincy Championship Against Mardy Fish

The Western and Southern Financial Group Masters at Cincinnati final is today, pitting Roger Federer against upstart American Mardy Fish.

Fish advanced to the final by defeating former high school teammate Andy Roddick in the semifinals of this tournament, a pivotal tune-up opportunity before the US Open in two weeks. Meanwhile, Federer rolled over Marco Baghdatis in straight sets in his semifinal match.

Despite being a heavy underdog, the unranked Fish has taken the first set from Federer, 7-6 (7-5).