Roger Federer almost withdrew from Cincinnati before going on to win the event for his first Masters title in two years.
"I was considering not playing for just a day or so on Monday," said Federer, who had reached the final of Toronto the previous week.
"I need to be smart about how much I play, when I play and how I feel. So I waited for Monday, Tuesday to see how I played. In practice I felt like I was recovering quickly and gave it a go."
Despite admitting he was tired during the tournament, Federer said he was pleased with his decision to play. "I could have just not played here and gone into the Open feeling good about my chances, now I feel even better," he said.
The wins and match practice will make for an easier week before the U.S. Open, he explained, unlike a year ago when he had played only one event during the U.S. Open Series and was still returning from back problems.
"Now I come in with great confidence," said Federer, who fell to Tommy Robredo in the fourth round of last year's Open. "I can really rest now, rather than having to work on stuff. I can just enjoy New York for what it is and go out to the practice courts and do the opposite of what I had to do last year. Last year I went out there and did three-hour practice sessions and went for extra practice sessions after matches sometimes. That I don’t have to do. I know my game is where I want it to be. It’s about just keeping that level up right now."
Lifting the large vase-like trophy at Cincinnati also fulfilled another purpose. “I finally got a big trophy for the kids," he said, having already won titles at Dubai and Halle. "I’ve been bringing home some smaller ones. I keep telling them they are still trophies but this one should satisfy them."