DPA/IANS

Cincinnati (Ohio), Aug 24: Roger Federer claimed his fourth title of the season as the Swiss made final preparations for the upcoming US Open with a 6-1, 7-5 thrashing of Novak Djokovic to win the Cincinnati Masters Sunday.

The top seed showed no mercy to his number four rival in a rout lasting 90 minutes. Federer now owns 16 Masters 1000 titles, one shy of the all-time record of Andre Agassi.

The title was added to 2009 crowns at the Madrid Masters, French Open and Wimbledon for Federer, who will be bidding for his sixth straight US Open crown a week from Monday in New York.

The victory overturned two previous wins for Djokovic this season, in semi-finals at Masters events in Miami and Rome.

Federer's win was his eighth over Djokovic against four losses. The Serb had booked his place in the title match as he beat Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals while Federer destroyed Andy Murray in a meeting between the first and second players in the world.

Federer, wife Mirka and the couple's month-old twins now head to New York for a week of preparation and promotional appearances before the 28-year-old begins his Grand Slam title defence at the major which begins Aug 31.

World number one Federer began the match as he won a massive 13-minute game, with Djokovic saving six break points before finally dropping to 0-2 with a forehand wide.

That opened the door for Federer, who proceeded to sweep the set in imperious style, allowing the 2008 Australian Open winner one late game before taking the lead after 32 minutes.

But Djokovic struck back in the second as he broke for a 2-0 lead on Federer's lob which sailed just long. The triumph was short-lived, with Federer levelling on 3-all from a Serb error.

Federer claimed the 61st title of his career as he broke in the penultimate game and closed it out a game later to love.

The trophy was the third for Federer in Cincinnati after winning in 2005 and 2007. He stands 47-7 on the season.