Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer: Semi-Final Preview – Roland Garros 2012
World number one Novak Djokovic will face off third-seeded Swiss Roger Federer in a repeat of the last year semi-final at the French Open 2012, a clay court Grand Slam event taking place from 22nd May to 10th June in Paris. The 2009 titlist, Federer, ended the Serb’s 41-match winning run from the start of the circuit here last year and will attempt to repeat the history.
Both super tennis stars are battling each other for the 26th time with the Swiss Maestro lead the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series by 14-11 against Djokovic. However, the Serb has got the better of Federer in their last two encounters. The most recent battle the contenders fought each other was at the Internazionali BNL D’Italia where the 25-year-old conquered the Swiss veteran in straight sets.
The most notable match between the two stars was at this Grand Slam event when Federer ended the Serb’s perfect record from the start of the season.
"Last year we were part of a great match that went the distance, and he played incredibly well," said the ecstatic Serb reflected. "I thought I played on a very high level. I just hope we can have another good match for us and for the crowd to be a part of."
The Serbian top is coming off from a final berth at the Internazionali BNL D’Italia (lost to Rafael Nadal in the final showdown). He battled past the local number one, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, in a five-set nail-biter before setting up this date. Djokovic made quick in-roads but lost the following two sets. However, he stayed focused and carved out the victory in four hours and five minutes with two breadsticks.
The former world number one, Federer, on the other hand also displayed top notch performance in his quarter-final clash against the top Argentine, Juan Martin Del Potro. He made a sloppy start and lost the opening two sets. However, the Swiss Ace re-ignited his spark and pulled out the victory with a bagel in three hours and 14 minutes. He not only equalled the most major semi-final appearance with Jimmy Connors but also inched closer towards his fifth year-to-date title.
Comparing their performance through final eight of Roland Garros, the Swiss Maestro spilled more double faults but hammered 260 winners in contrast with Djokovic’s five double faults and 203 winners. He clobbered a lower first serve share of 60 per cent as compared to Djokovic’s 67 per cent but impressively availed 75 per cent on it. Federer is also broken 10 times as opposed to the Serb’s 12 times and has fired 52 aces.
Djokovic has the advantage in long rallies but is still bidding to grab a title on clay. The Swiss on the other end has conquered the Mutua Madrid Open, a Masters 1000 event held on blue clay courts in Spain.
Fans can expect to see this match to become a five-set thriller with the jubilant Federer formulating a 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3 score line against the top seeded Serb. The Swiss veteran lost to Djokovic last month on the Italian red clay courts but is expected to recreate his magic here.
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