Former world No.1 Roger Federer admits that he is intrigued to see how Novak Djokovic finishes this season as he continues his resurgence on the tour.
At the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, Federer will take on Djokovic for the first time in two years after both players came through their semi-final matches. Federer moved into the showdown after his opponent, David Goffin, was forced to retire during the early stages of the second set due to a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Djokovic battled past former champion Marin Cilic 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
“A lot has happened since (our last meeting) with injuries, both of us have been fighting, and we both came back strong again. So I think that’s what’s nice about this time around with Novak.” Federer previewed about the upcoming final.
Their last meeting was on the hardcourt’s in Melbourne at the Australian Open where Djokovic prevailed in four sets to move ahead 23-22 in their head-to-head. Since then, Federer missed six months of action due to a knee injury in 2016. Then a year later Djokovic experienced his own misfortunes with a elbow injury that sidelined him from the tour. Djokovic also underwent a operation on his elbow earlier this year.
Both men have staged an emphatic return to the tour. Highlighted by Djokovic‘s impressive run on the grass which saw him claim the Wimbledon title. Since then, the Serbian world No.10 has won 17 out of 19 matches played on the tour.
“When they asked me in Indian Wells and Miami to judge Novak, I was, like, It’s not real Novak, then.” Federer explained.
“He was just coming back, and he came back too soon. Same at the Australian Open. That one wasn’t quite the 100% Novak we know he can be.
“I don’t look at that kind of match like what could he be struggling with, because if you give him time, he’ll fix that.”
Route to the final
FEDERER
R1: Bye
R2: 6-4, 6-4 Peter Gojowczyk
R3: 6-2, 7-6 Leonardo Mayer
QF: 6-7, 7-6, 6-2 Stan Wawrinka
SF: 7-6 1-1 RET David GoffinDJOKOVIC
R1: 6-4, 7-6 Steve Johnson
R2: 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 Adrian Mannarino
R3: 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 Grigor Dimitrov
QF: 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 Milos Raonic
SF: 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 Marin Cilic
The upcoming final is set to make Cincinnati history regardless of the winner. Federer is yet to lose in the final of the tournament with a perfect 7-0 record. Should he win again, he would be the first person to win the title for an eighth time. Meanwhile, if Djokovic prevails, he would become the first player to win all nine Masters 1000 titles since the series was introduced in 1990.
“I think it gives him a lot of confidence, as well, winning all those three-setters now, because in Indian Wells and Miami, what I saw there was a tired Novak, which was very rare to see that.” Federer commented about his rival.
“But that’s why it wasn’t real. He hadn’t had enough practice yet. Still coming fresh off his injury.
“I think he’s playing much better tennis now, much more solid off the baseline. I mean, I still think he’s got room to improve. Will be interesting to see how he finishes the year.”
When pressed further by the media about what specific areas Djokovic needs to improve, Federer refrained from mentioning any specifics.
“Just everything, like, a little bit of everything. I don’t know what it is exactly, but it could start with the serve, could start with whatever it may be. Transition game, I don’t know.” He said.
Federer’s respect for his rival is one that goes both ways. Shortly after his win over Cilic, Djokovic spoke about his rivalry with the Swiss player. Which started 13 years ago at the 2006 Monte Carlo Masters.
“The rivalry with him and him personally has influenced the evolution of my game.” Djokovic said during his press conference.
“It would be the greatest challenge in Cincinnati, without a doubt, and many tournaments, especially here, because he’s been dominating this tournament historically. He won against me several times in finals.”
Heading into the final, Federer is yet to be broken in the tournament. Winning all 43 of service games. Meanwhile Djokovic has won 55 out of 68 played.
The men’s final will take place after 16:00 local time (21:00 GMT) on Sunday.
