Novak Djokovic on beating Roger Federer on his court: ‘It was special’
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic set the semi-final clash in Toronto 2010, the first since Basel 10 months ago. Novak took down Jeremy Chardy in straight sets in the quarter-final in Toronto. At the same time, Roger prevailed over Tomas Berdych from the verge of defeat to arrange the 15th meeting against the Serb.
Speaking about their previous match during the press conference in Toronto, Djokovic said it felt special to beat Roger in his hometown of Basel the last autumn, playing at a high level and hoping to repeat that in Toronto.
Roger had won 19 straight matches in Basel between 2006 and 2009. Still, he failed to secure the fourth consecutive title in his hometown following a 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 loss to Novak. It was their 14th meeting and the fifth win for Novak, the third of the season after Miami and Rome.
Roger served at 71%, and it was not enough to keep him safe against such a reliable returner. The home star lost 38% of the points in his games and suffered four breaks from eight opportunities offered to Novak. The Serb played against 11 break chances, fending off nine and overpowering a three-time champion for his maiden Basel crown.
Djokovic hit more winners and fewer unforced errors and stayed in touch with Federer in the shortest rallies up to four strokes. Besides that, nothing could separate them in the most extended exchanges with over eight strokes.
However, Djokovic created the crucial difference in the mid-range rallies, where he outplayed Roger with a strong performance in the deciding set to end Federer’s Basel streak. Both players served well in the opening eight games, and Novak drew first blood with a break for a 5-4 lead when Roger sent an easy forehand long.
Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in the 2009 Basel final.
The tenth game is one of the longest they have ever played, containing 11 deuces and five break points. Djokovic survived and emerged at the top after Federer’s forehand error to secure the game after over 20 minutes and claim…
Source : tennisworldusa
