LONDON: Roger Federer has recorded his first win over Novak Djokovic in four years after downing the world No.2 in their winner-takes-all clash at the ATP Finals on Thursday evening.
The eagerly anticipated meeting between the two tennis icons failed to live up to expectations as a more dominant and solid Federer prevailed 6-4, 6-3. Ending his five-match losing streak against the world No.2, who lacked the usual firepower in his game. In total Federer hit 23 winners to five unforced errors as he converted three out of his seven break point opportunities.
“It was a great atmosphere, against a great opponent here in London at The O2.” Said Federer. “It is definitely special. Right from the beginning, I played incredibly and I knew I had to because that is what Novak does. I was able to produce, it is definitely magical.”
Thursday saw the continuation of one of the most prestigious rivalries in the history of tennis. Heading into the match Djokovic boasted a 26-22 stronghold and hasn’t lost to his nemesis since doing so at the same tournament four years ago. Their 13-year rivalry is the second-longest in the Open Era.
Recent history has seen the Serbian dictate Federer on the court. Coming back from two match points down to defeat his rival in the Wimbledon final earlier this year. However, this time around it would be Federer who would prove to be the dominator. Reading the Djokovic serve like a book he placed his rival under pressure from the onset.
It would be one lackluster Djokovic service game that would prove pivotal to the outcome of the opening set. Two double faults combined with Federer’s ability to hit the ball deep to the baseline enabled the Swiss maestro to break three games into the match. Sending the largely pro-Federer crowd into hysterics. Even more impressive from the world No.3 in the opener was the fact he dropped just three points behind his serve (16/19) against somebody deemed as one of the best returners in the game.
Clinching the opening set has proved decisive in the head-to-head between the two players. Before this week, all 13 of their most recent meetings have been won by the person who clinched the opener. It would be no different at The O2 Arena. Federer continuoued to dominate Djokovic, who seemed bothered by his elbow at times. This time it was five games into the second set when the six-time champion pounced. Capitalizing from yet more errors from across the court.
The anticlimactic encounter ended after just 72 minutes of play in the British capital. It would be another Djokovic shot into the net that would elevate the Swiss played in the semi-finals of the tournament.
“There was a lot riding on this match. I came out great, served great and had great anticipation. It worked to perfection tonight and hopefully it won’t be the last time (against Djokovic).” Federer evaluated of his latest win.
The triumph by Federer has also had a significant impact on the year-end race. Rafael Nadal has secured the year-end No.1 spot for the fifth time in his career. Djokovic had to win the tournament to take the honor way from the Spaniard.
“Of course that was a big motivation also for the end of the season.” Djokovic told reporters during his press confrence. “I mean, every time you step on the court, you know there is something on the line, I mean, at least on the highest level in tennis.’
“I feel pressure and excitement all the time, every single match, especially if I play against the best players in the world.”
It remains to be seen who Federer will play in the semi-finals on Saturday. There are two possible players he could face depending on how the other group of matches fair on Friday. He will take on either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Rafael Nadal.
“I’m happy to stick around.” Said Federer.
“Hopefully I will go a step further than last year. I lost to Zverev who was unreal, that was tough.”
“I will watch some (tennis) tomorrow and then get ready.” He added.
Federer is the most successful player at the ATP Finals with 59 wins under his belt. That is 20 more than his nearest opponent Ivan Lendl.
