Federer blasts Blake in Cincinnati

Written by: Global Chick on 19th August 2011

Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group I second round

Federer blasts Blake in Cincinnati

Roger Federer of Switzerland returns to Frederico Gil and Leonardo Tavares of Portugal during the Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group I second round match in the Postfinance Arena in Bern, Switzerland, 09 July 2011. EPA/SAMUEL TRUEMPY |

Former World No. 1 Roger Federer had a comfortable win over James Blake today at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati 6-4 6-1.

Federer is looking to win his first ATP Tour World Masters 1000 event this season. His only title in 2011 came in Doha in January. He was the finalist at Roland Garros and in Dubai this year.

The Swiss superstar is looking to find form before the US Open. The newly turned 30-year-old was the US Open Champion in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Former World No. 4 James Blake was sidelined with injuries for most of 2010 and is now making a comeback having played most of 2011 on the Challenger circuit. Last year was the first time since 2000 the American found himself outside Top 100.

Blake won two Challengers this season one in Sarasota, FL in April and one in Winnetka, IL in June.

Next up for Federer is Czech Tomas Berdych. If Federer can overcome the Czech he is more than likely going to set up a clash with Novak Djokovic.The current World No. 1 will play the winner of Philipp Kohlschreiber and Gael Monfils.

World No. 9 Tomas Berdych overcame World No. 9 Nicolas Almagro in 64 minutes 6-2 6-2. The Czech player has reached three quarterfinals this year at ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Events, Miami (l. Nadal), Madrid (l.Bellucci) and Rome (l. Gasquet).

The most recent match Berdych and Federer played was last year in Toronto when Federer won in three sets. Federer holds a 9-3 win/loss record against Berdych.