Novak Djokovic thrashes Roger Federer in alternate sets, moves on to US Open finals
In an almost entirely unprecedented game today, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, world’s third seed, beat Swiss second seed Roger Federer in five alternate sets (5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, and 7-5) at the US Open 2010 Tournament. This victory was unforeseen by many, advancing him to the finals with Rafael Nadal as his competition. This outcome was unexpected not just prior to the game but during as well; Djokovic was challenged to match points twice through the duration of the semi final, only narrowly saving each point.
Djokovic himself is the first Serbian to win a Grand Slam singles title, at the 2008 Australian Open. He is also the youngest player of this generation to reach the semi finals of all four major tournaments (the Grand Slams). He was first beaten by Federer at the US Open 2007 during the title match, making him the runner-up of that Grand Slam.
This victory is particularly significant for Novak Djokovic, as it is the first time he has beaten Federer in two years. At the Australian Open 2008, he reached the final after upsetting Federer in straight sets, after which Roger Federer has trumped him in each encounter. In 2009 in Cincinatti at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters, Djokovic lost in the final match to then World Number 1 Roger Federer in straight set, 6-1, 7-5. Djokovic has faced Federer once before in this year, at the Rogers Cup in Toronto. This first match was, however, a victory for Roger Federer with the final score being 6-1, 3-6, 7-5.
As the third seed in this tournament, Novak Djokovic has beaten Viktor Troicki, American players James and Mardy Fish. After this defeat of Federer, Djokovic has made it through to the finals of his second US Open title match.
The match between Djokovic and Federer remained unpredictable right to the end; in the first set, Djokovic seemed to fall behind on his serve, with Federer at his best with an overhead smash and a backhand volley. However Djokovic recovered quickly in the second set, with Federer losing concentration into many unforced errors; throughout the match, he smashed the ball into the net countless times, losing many points. Both players seemed at an equal footing, almost setting a certain rhythm for the first four sets. However, with the fifth set in play, the game became crucial. Both players were on the alert and fans were on the edge of their seats. Near the end of the game, the Swiss went up to 5-4, and fans believed that the match would end in Federer’s favor. However, for most players, it’s not that easy. At this point, Djokovic defends two match points to stay in competition, changing the score to 5-5. At the end of the match, with the score 6-5 due to a wide forehand on Federer’s part, he makes yet another mistake and loses two points to Djokovic with two forehands hitting the net, winning the game for Novak Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic will now proceed to the US Open finals, where his opponent is Rafael Nadal. Top seed Nadal beat 12th seed Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first US Open title match. Djokovic defeated Nadal at the Western & Southern Group Masters 2009 in the semi finals in straight sets to reach the second consecutive final at the event. He and Nadal also teamed up for doubles at this tournament, but lost to Canada’s Milos Raonic and Vasek Pospisil. For the timebeing, the results of this upcoming match remain as uncertain as ever, but one thing is for sure; it will be every bit as dramatic as today’s semi final.
Tags: