Djokovic pleased with post-Olympic performances

Novak Djokovic won his second Masters 1000 semi-final in as many weeks in Cincinnati, with the HEAD racquet rebel earning quiet revenge for a London Olympic loss which cost him the bronze medal a fortnight ago. The Serb, World’s No. 2 is continuing the torrid playing pace which has marked his grass-and-hardcourt summer. Djokovic, playing with his YouTek IG Speed MP, defeated Juan Martin Del Potro 6-3, 6-2 at the Cincinnati ATP Masters 1000 event to reach the final, winning his 15th hardcourt match in a row.

In the title match, Djokovic saved a match point in the second set against Roger Federer before the top seed pulled out a 6-0, 7-6(7) victory. The win denied Djokovic the Canada-Cincinnati trophy double after winning the event in Toronto the week before. Djokovic said he was still pleased with his Cincinnati effort as he heads into the start of the Grand Slam on August 27th. "It was the final today, so I really wanted to win - there is no question about it. Playing a couple weeks in a row, got me maybe mentally tired. Physically it didn't."

Djokovic staged a fight back after losing the opening set against Federer, whom he has now played 28 times. "I had a terrible first set, he started very solid on serve. He was using it very efficiently and putting a lot pressure on my serve. I played better in the second, I thought it was very even. But when I had the chances I didn't use them. He deserved to win."

The Serb will now take a few days off before practicing at Flushing Meadows. "I have made more than I expected after the Olympic Games. I lost only one match in two weeks on two 1000 events, which is great success. So I'm actually feeling good about myself at this moment and I really look forward to New York."