Rafa Handles Isner in Cincy Final for 5th Masters Win

By hugree on August 19th, 2013

Rafael Nadal continued his hard-court domination this year with a 7-6 (10-8), 7-6 (7-3) victory over John Isner to win the Cincinnati Masters. The Spaniard took one hour and 55 minutes to see off big-serving Isner in a tight match, which did not feature any breaks of serve, and claim his ninth title of the year. Nadal’s win means that he overtakes Andy Murray in the rankings to become world No 2, meaning that the Brit will be seeded No 3 for the US Open which begins on August 26. The win in Cincinnati is Nadal’s fifth Masters title of the season, a career best. Nadal is now tied with Novak Djokovic for most Masters titles in a season since 1990. He’s won seven of the nine Masters events during his career. All up this year he has won nine titles. Heading into the U.S. Open, there’s no doubt about who has the most momentum.