Sports has long been epitomised by great rivalries. Cast your mind to Muhammad Ali versus Joe Frazier, Björn Borg versus John McEnroe, Cardiff versus Swansea and more recently the rivalry of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Federer’s victory over Djokovic in the ATP finals overnight has again pushed him into the lead in the head-to-head stakes, 22-21. Interestingly, since the pair’s first match in 2006, Djokovic has never been ahead.
There is of course the chance for immediate redemption for Djokovic if the duo can manage to face off in the final, but Djokovic will need to progress from the group phase first, while Federer needs to win his semi-final against Kei Nishikori.
Federer versus Djokovic will go down as one of the most interesting, intense and yet respectful rivalries of all time. It has pitted the world’s best player in Djokovic against who many believe to be the greatest tennis player of all time in Federer.
Looking at the history of the two players Federer defeated Djokovic in the pair’s first four outings, Djokovic’s breakthrough coming in their fifth meeting at the final of Canada’s 2007 ATP.
This initial four-match winning streak from Federer stands as the longest winning streak from either of the two players – Djokovic has, however, recorded three straight victories against Federer on four occasions (including once in 2015), whereas Federer has only recorded three or more twice, including his original streak.
In the big matches Djokovic has a distinct advantage over Federer. The pair have met 17 times in the final of various competitions with Djokovic holding an 11-6 record.
The pair first met in a semi-final in 2008 and have now faced each other in semi-finals on 21 occasions, Federer holding a slight advantage 11-10. Progressing from these respective victories both players have defeated their opponent in the final five times, Djokovic holding a 50 per cent record, Federer a 45 per cent conversion rate.
Whether through luck of the draw or any other means, they have only met once in a quarter-final, Federer attaining the win in Dubai 2007.
The Federer-Djokovic rivalry is also the largest in Grand Slam history with a record 14 matches played against each other with Djokovic leading 8-6. Djokovic is the only player besides Nadal to defeat Federer in consecutive Grand Slam tournaments (2010 US Open and 2011 Australian Open along with the 2015 Wimbledon and US Opens).
On an individual level both players provide formidable statistics. Federer tops the all time list for cumulative weeks spent as the ATP highest ranked player with a total of 302 weeks, that’s a ridiculous five years, nine months, two weeks, one day and one hour, if we’re being specific or comparing this feat to the last time Lindsay Lohan was considered ‘cute’.
Federer’s longest streak at number one is a monstrous 237 weeks (from February 2, 2004 to August 17, 2008 – an all-time record). He also appears on the list a second time, at number 15, compiling a run of 48 consecutive weeks (Djokovic joins him at number 15) as the number one ranked player.
His decorated career has included a total of 88 open era solo titles, 17 of those being Grand Slam victories (he has won every Grand Slam at least once) including five consecutive victories at Wimbledon from 2003-2007. He was also named Laureus Sportsman of the Year a record four consecutive times from 2005-2008.
From October 2003 through September 2005 he won 24 straight finals, crushing Borg’s previous record of 15. He has a solo career record of 1056-237 with a winning percentage of 81.67 per cent.
Despite joining the professional circuit in 2003, five years after Federer (1998), Djokovic has also had to pick up the carpentry trade to accommodate his growing number of trophies and subsequent cabinets.
Djokovic has amassed 58 solo open era titles in his 12 seasons as a pro, including 10 Grand Slam victories, despite having yet to register a win at Roland-Garros.
He has twice been named Laureus Sportsman of the Year in 2012 and 2015 respectively. Djokovic is currently fifth on the all time weeks at number one ranking, with 173 weeks, including his presently active and growing 72 weeks at number one (ninth all time).
Djokovic’s 2011 season is regarded by many, including former great Pete Sampras, as the best season of professional tennis played by an ATP member. He won 10 tournaments in 2011, set a new record for the most prize money won in a single season ($12 million) and enjoyed victories over Federer, Andy Murray and six final victories on three different surfaces against Nadal.
His career record stands at a formidable 683-145 for a winning percentage of 82.49 per cent.
Despite their contrasting personalities, Federer the quite achiever and Djokovic the extroverted winner, both players are gentlemen of the sport and true sporting champions.
Although Federer is nearing his twilight at 34, you can guarantee that the two will have a few more classic showdowns before Roger retires. As for the debate of who is the superior player in this rivalry? I’ll leave that to you, Roarers!
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