Federer Tops Djokovic, Regains No. 2 Spot With Attacking Play

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Roger Federer defeated top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the finals of the Cincinnati Masters to reclaim the No. 2 tennis ranking with old-style attacking play.

What started as a joke in training with his Swedish coach Stefan Edberg has become a new tactic for Federer: the return approach. Against Djokovic, Federer rushed to the net off a second serve 11 times, winning seven points as he surprised the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open winner with a combination of half volleys and drop shots. At times, Federer stood almost on top of the service box to take the ball immediately after the bounce and charge forward.