Rafael Nadal completed his preparations for the U.S. Open by claiming the title in Cincinnati for the first time with a hard-fought 7-6 7-6 win over home hope John Isner Sunday. It was his 26th victory at a Masters 1000 tournament and second in succession after lifting the trophy in Montreal last week. Nadal, who has won nine titles in 2013 in a remarkable run since returning to the ATP circuit after injury in February, has moved to No.2 in the world off the back of that success. It has relegated Britain's Andy Murray, who will be defending his U.S. Open crown when the action starts at Flushing Meadows on August 26, to third seed when the draw is made later this week.
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Rafael Nadal wins Cincinnati Masters title
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Beats John Isner in two tiebreak sets
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Up to No.2 in world with latest triumph
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Victoria Azarenka beats Serena Williams in women's final
He could not force a single break point on the service of the giant @placeholder, but in the second tiebreaker forged a 5-1 lead to take control.