Novak Djokovic takes on Janko Tipsarevic for the title match – Rogers Cup 2012
Serbian number one, Novak Djokovic, has made it through to the semi-finals of the Rogers Cup but he has to go through his long time friend and fellow com patriot, Janko Tipsarevic, for a post in the title match. The highly anticipated
all-Serbian brawl will be contested on Saturday afternoon at the hard courts of Toronto, Canada.
Currently holding the ninth spot in the ATP World Rankings, Tipsarevic, has been in a brilliant form this season. He ousted the unseeded Spaniard, Marcel Granollers, in twin sets, 6-4, 6-4, in the quarter-final round of the Rogers
Cup on Friday to book a date with the top seed contender.
On the other hand, Djokovic had a rough ride at the hands of the former world number two, Tommy Haas, in the round of eight. The reigning world number two eventually came out victorious in three sets, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, to carry on
his successful title defence in Toronto.
It will be the third battle of the season between these two top-class Serbians. They first met at the start of the 2012 season at Dubai, with Djokovic winning comprehensively in straight sets. The ninth ranked Serb avenged Djokovic
in the quarter-final rounds of the Mutua Madrid Open, inflicting a 7-6(2), 6-3, win over the then world number one.
Although Djokovic is the hot favourite for winning the semi-final clash, Tipsarevic is believed to be the fittest man to bring him down any time. He certainly knows Djokovic’s game better than anyone else and holds this vital advantage
to register an upset in the upcoming crunch match. The top seed Serb is also aware of the intense competition he is about to face in the semi-final.
“It's never easy, but we are professionals,” said the world number two about Tipsarevic, “We try to win the match whoever is across the net. We met first time probably 12, 15 years ago back in Serbia, and he was the best junior
in the world and one of the players I was looking up to. I'm very glad that he managed to come to Top 10. He's playing probably the best tennis of his life in the last 15 months.”
Djokovic leads 4-2 in the all-time head-to-head series and certainly desires to extend his record against Tipsarevic. He will be under huge pressure as he is the defending champion in Toronto, whilst Tipsarevic has nothing to lose
and will go all guns blazing in the semis.
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