After resuming the top form in Toronto, Swiss maestro Roger Federer seems to have found a way out to return to the winner's circle as he is all set to face surprising finalist Mardy Fish in the final of the 2010 Western and Southern Financial Group masters, an ATP World Tour 1000 event being played here in Cincinnati, USA.

Federer's last non-slam triumph came here on American soil only in Cincinnati when he took out a spirited Novak Djokovic to clinch his 16th Masters crown. One year on, and a lot has changed. From his 16th major title in Melbourne to disappointing losses to players like Albert Montanes and Ernests Gulbis made critics and fans think about the ATP star's future in competitive tennis. However, with an American hardcourt swing, the equations seem to be changing, for GOOD.

Federer entered the final without much ado as after receiving a bye in the first round, his second round opponent retired before the completion of a single set. The Swiss' next opponent, withdrew from the match up due to an injury. The way Federer humbled Nikolay Davydenko and an in-form Marcos Baghdatis was not only impressive but commendable and this is perhaps what makes him such a strong contender for the title.

Federer's opponent in the final is Mardy Fish, who, according to several critics has been sort of a late bloomer. But things have changed for better as after back-to-back titles in Newport and Atlanta, the American wild card in Cincinnati is on an amazing spree. Fish's come-from-behind wins over Andy Murray and Andy Roddick have been a testimonial of his improved play. Fish's strongest ally is his court coverage which helps him get almost all the balls back in court with impressive depth and power. Fish's serving brilliance is simply an addition to his solid match play.

TennisEarth.com's Pick - Despite a phenomenal US Open series run, Fish is unlikely to cause another upset, and that too against a player who believes in percentage tennis and disappoints his opponents by not giving many opportunities in matches. Federer is most definitely likelier to clinch his 17th Masters series crown and emulate Andre Agassi in the standings behind all time leader Rafael Nadal.

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