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Federer wins Toronto Masters

Larry Humber | August 02, 2004 15:49 IST
Last Updated: August 02, 2004 17:01 IST


World number one Roger Federer swept past Andy Roddick 7-5, 6-3 to capture the Toronto Masters in Toronto, Canada on Sunday and extend his winning streak to 23 matches.

A rematch of last month's Wimbledon final produced a similar result as Federer continued his mastery over Roddick improving his head-to-head record against his American rival to 7-1.

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Federer, who turns 23 next week, needed less than 90 minutes on Sunday under the hot Canadian sun to collect his fourth straight title and eighth of the season -- the most since Austria's Thomas Muster won 12 in 1995.

It was also Federer's third consecutive title on three different surfaces, his polished performance indicating the Swiss may be poised to add a first U.S. Open title to Grand Slam wins this year at Wimbledon and the Australian Open.

Federer's winning streak of 23 matches is the longest since Pete Sampras strung together 24 victories in 1999.

The top seed will have an opportunity to equal that mark next week when he takes on Dominik Hrbaty in the opening round of the Cincinnati Masters.

"I'm exhausted, so tired. It has been another great week for me," said Federer. "But I think, in the future, Andy and I will play many, many more matches and you (Roddick) will definitely get your share."

With a match record of 52-4 this season there are few signs Federer is prepared to share anything.

A sublime opening set had appeared headed for a tie-break until Federer broke Roddick to take a 1-0 lead in the match.

When Roddick's forehand return sailed long it brought an animated fist-pump from the Swiss and rage from the defending champion, who slammed his racket on to the court.

As always there was no surrender from the hard-hitting American who is at his bludgeoning best on the North American hardcourts having won his previous seven finals on the surface.

But again Roddick could find no answers, Federer keeping the U.S. Open champion under constant pressure then gaining the decisive break with a stinging crosscourt forehand to go up 5-3 before holding serve to take the title.

"I'd like to congratulate Roger but you are starting to become very, very annoying," joked Roddick during the post-match ceremonies.



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