Another meeting, another title on the line for both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who will be entering their 41st match against each other in the finals of the Cincinnati Masters on Saturday at 1:00 p.m US EST at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.
Both coming off impressive semifinal wins over solid opponents, Djokovic and Federer will not only be fighting for title, but also the lead in their classic rivalry with their head-to-head encounter locked at 20-wins apiece.
Despite skipping the Roger Cup in Montreal, Federer hasn't shown any signs of rust as he scored four consecutive straight-set victories against testy foes. On Friday, the Swiss showed why he's still one of the favorites to win this year's US Open championships after demolishing Rogers Cup winner Andy Murray 6-4, 7-6.
Meanwhile, Djokovic is fresh from a three-set battle with Ukraine Alexandr Dolgopolov 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 in the semis. After succumbing to Andy Murray in the finals of the Montreal Masters, the Serb is hungry for another title, though he needs the kind of game he demonstrated several weeks ago at Wimbledon to beat Federer.
In the women's side, Serena Williams will be gunning for her fifth title of the year as she takes on Simona Halep of Romania in their finals showdown at 3:00 p.m US EST.
Williams survived a slow start and a spirited challenge by Elina Svitolina of Ukraine to book 6-4, 6-3 win. Halep, on the other hand, had an easier route to the finals after obliterating former world's no.1 Jelena Jankovic 6-1, 6-2. Saturday's finals match marks the 7th match between the two netters with Williams taking a 5-1 lead in their head-to-head record.
Match Details:
Date & Schedule: Roger Federer vs. Novak Djokovic men's singles finals (1:00 p.m US EST) / Serena Williams vs. Simona Halep women's singles finals (3:00 p.m US ST).
Scores, Commentary & Update: ESPN Courtcast; ATP & WTA Tennis Pro Scores
TV Schedule & Live Stream: Coverage starts at 12:00 noon US EST on ESPN2 and ESPN3, Sky Sports 3 (UK viewers) / Live Stream - ESPN Watch, Tennis TV; Sports Stream