Record-setting Roger Federer takes aim at a fourth US Open title after winning the 50th trophy of his career 6-1, 6-4 over James Blake on Sunday at the Cincinnati Masters. The Swiss heads to New York for the last major of the season starting on August 27 quietly confident of further domination on the hardcourts.
Little more than a month after lifting a record-equalling fifth consecutive Wimbledon, the 26-year-old is in the chase for more runaway success. "I definitely played my best," said Federer, 45-6 this season with five trophys and a 7-0 record over Blake. "I had to play my best to beat James.
"It was a great week. I was very happy and I'm obviously very excited going into the US Open." Federer's 11 career Grand Slam titles are three shy of the all-time record of 14 set by Pete Sampras. Federer, who won his first title at Milan in 2001, will be seeking his third Grand Slam crown of the year having won the Australian Open in January and his fifth Wimbledon crown in a row last month.
Federer stands 12-1 in finals played in US venues, including three US Open crowns. "Everything felt good until I ran into Roger," Blake said, who came in with wins in 16 of his previous 20 matches. "Fifty titles is pretty good."
Federer, so relaxed that he hit up in the morning with former player and current American Davis Cup coach Patrick McEnroe after scratching around for a partner, likes his chances heading to Flushing Meadows.
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