Cilic loses 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 – Djokovic heading to Final at Western & Southern Open

MASON, Ohio — The Western & Southern Open may be a tournament will make history for Novak Djokovic. The Serbian player is one win away from being the first male tennis player to win all 9 Masters Titles – the only thing standing in his way is Roger Federer.

After defeating Marin Cilic in three sets on Friday, Djokovic advanced to the final. The only question was who would he face, that was determined after David Goffin forfeited his semi-final match to Federer after suffering an injury to his shoulder.

Djokovic and Federer have not played in a match together in over two years due to each suffering various injuries. This will be the 18th time the two have played a final, and for tennis punters, Djokovic has outperformed Federer in head-to-head title match, and that, for Canadian tennis sports betting sites such as 888Sport means Federer is the one favoured to win.

Commenting on the challenge that lies ahead, Djokovic said,

“It would be the greatest challenge in Cincinnati, without a doubt, because he’s been dominating this tournament historically”

Federer has won his last seven final matches, and the only one on the tour who has better results is Rafael Nadal. Djokovic has lost his last five final matches, and in their last three finals, Federer has comes away with a win over Djokovic.

The Western & Southern Open has seen Federer winning the fourteen matches back-to-back and has won seventeen of the last eighteen sets played. Federer, in post-match comments after the semifinals, said, while speaking of the upcoming final,

“It’s great to be back in the finals, against Novak in particular. There’s a lot riding on the match. It’s great to refresh a rivalry we’ve had for many years.”

And then there were two…

Who will claim the men’s singles title, @rogerfederer or @DjokerNole?#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/0gEgJ2ZRLx

— Western & Southern Open (@CincyTennis) August 19, 2018

The Western & Southern Open Masters is the only title that Djokovic has yet to win. The other eight he has, but this one has eluded him. Should he win against Federer, he will be the first, since 1990, to win all nine titles and will make tennis history.

This will be his sixth time playing the finals at the Western & Southern Open and he clearly is hoping to win stating that “Obviously, this time I’m hoping I get my hands on the trophy.”

The big hurdle for him will be Federer, and it is a big one indeed. Federer has been on fire at the tournament eliminating everyone he has faced. Federer won the Open in 2015 but has not played there in the previous two years due to injuries. Commenting on his return, Federer said,

“I feel like I’m trying to defend my title from way back when.”

Djokovic also was out for an extended period relating to injuries to his elbow. He returned to win his fourth Wimbledon title and is aiming to return to form on the hard-court but has had some frustration, even going as far as to shatter his racket out of frustration while battling Milos Raonic.

However, after defeating Marin Cilic, he celebrated by raising his arms as he walked to the net to shake hands with Cilic – whether he comes away with the one remaining victory is desperately wants to add to his trophy case – that will be decided tomorrow.