rogerfederer.com - Ninth title in 2005

Ninth title in 2005

Roger made his return to the court a triumphant one, defeating Andy Roddick in straight sets to capture the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters title outside Cincinnati. Roger earned a 6-3, 7-5 victory on Sunday at the Lindner Family Tennis Center for his ninth title of 2005 and became the first player to claim four Masters Series wins in a single season. He now has an 18-match winning streak dating back to a French Open semifinal loss to Rafael Nadal.

"I got to get away from these people from the Tour [players, media and photographers]," Roger quipped about his six-week layoff. "It was good to be away, but it's very nice to be back." He improved to 10-1 lifetime against Roddick and has a match record this year of an incredible 64-3. He has won his last 22 singles finals since losing to Jiri Novak in the 2003 Gstaad title match.

In addition, Roger is also 29-1 in ATP Masters Series events this year, with his only loss coming to Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the quarterfinals at Monte Carlo, and he improved to 38-1 on the hardcourts in 2005. His last loss on a hardcourt came back in January when he was defeated by big Russian Marat Safin in the Australian Open semifinals.

It all adds up to Roger heading into the U.S. Open a week from Monday as the overwhelming favorite. Go Roger!