Federer finds his mojo for Open

Tennis star Roger Federer has found his mojo and is on the attack again, just in time for the US Open.

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ROGER Federer thinks he has figured out where he was going wrong and fixed it, just in time for the US Open.

The imperious Swiss matched Bjorn Borg for fifth on the all-time Open era title list with 63 titles when he outlasted American Mardy Fish 6-7 (7-5) 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 on Sunday to win the Cincinnati Masters for the fourth time.

Pete Sampras is fourth at 64, and Jimmy Connors holds the record with 109.

But it was Federer's first title since the Australian Open at the start of the year - a surprisingly long drought for one so dominant previously.

Rare quarter-final defeats at the French Open and Wimbledon gave him an unfamiliar air of vulnerability as he slipped to No.3 in the rankings.

Now Federer believes he has turned a corner and couldn't be happier as he heads toward the Open starting next week when he will seek his 17th grand slam crown and sixth at the US Open.

"I have been playing well the last couple of weeks and today was just another proof that I'm playing really well," Federer said.

"It's nice knowing the hard work in the off-season after Wimbledon pays off right away.

"I've been committed to this sport for many years and when you do that and give yourself over and over again, you will break through by winning tournaments again.

"I was maybe playing a little bit too passive. Now I'm taking it to the opponents again. I'm hoping that that's the right game plan right now."

Federer is looking to make amends at the Open after Juan Martin del Potro broke his streak of five straight titles there in last year's final. Del Potro will not defend his title because of an injury.

In the Cincinnati final Federer used a steady serve and consistent back-line work to allow only one break chance for Fish.

"I was really consistent on my serve," Federer said. "I had the upper hand from the baseline. He had to start taking chances.

"This is how tennis used to be played coming up - big serves, some volleys. It was played on a couple points here and there. I hung tough and made him work hard and was able to come across the finish line faster."

Wildcard entrant Fish, who had won recent titles in Newport and Atlanta, fired 17 aces but failed in his bid to become the first unseeded champion in the event, the final major tune-up for the year's last Grand Slam tournament.