Federer smashes to magic 50

ROGER FEDERER defeated number nine James Blake 6-1 6-4 in the final of Western & Southern Financial Group Masters to claim his fifth title of the season.

It marked the 50th career singles title for the Switzerland native, who at 26 years and 11 days old became the fifth-youngest player to accomplish that feat.

“It’s not a goal I set myself in my career, but it’s definitely a nice number to get to, especially in terms of titles. It’s really a lot, so it’s great,” Federer said.

Bjorn Borg was the fastest to 50 wins, doing so at 23 years, seven months. Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl are the only other players ahead of Federer in that regard.

“I used to have tough times in Grand Slams and Masters Series, believe it or not, in the beginning of my career,” Federer said.

“So to come through and win that many Masters Series and Grand Slams, that’s a great surprise and I hope to keep it up from now on.”

Federer needed just 65 minutes to dispose of Blake, who fell to 0-7 in his career against the world’s top player. This was the third time that Blake, ranked eighth in the world, was ousted by Federer in a final.

The 27-year-old American had no answer for Federer, who converted 33 of 40 first serve points, including nine aces, and saved each of the five break points he faced.

Federer has won 39 of 60 tournaments since 2004.