If Roger Federer hopes to edge closer to an 18th grand slam title, he will firstly have to get past world No.1 and perennial rival Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEDT).
Federer has been the most impressive player thus far in the men’s draw and is playing well enough to win his fifth Australian Open title.
Indeed if it weren’t for Djokovic’s exploits last season, the Swiss star would have added Wimbledon and the US Open to his 17 grand slam titles.
Federer’s game at the moment is as sharp as it was a decade ago and you could even argue that parts of his game have evolved over time.
Last year’s Wimbledon and US Open finalist is still moving gracefully around the court and his forehand, backhand and serve remain aesthetically pleasing and incredibly effective weapons against the very best on the ATP tour.
As good as Federer is however, Djokovic remains a key thorn in his attempts to perhaps win an astonishing 20 grand slam titles before he retires.
The Serb hasn’t been too convincing at the Australian Open thus far but he invariably plays his best tennis when it matters most. Djokovic is a master absorber of pace and is probably the only player on tour capable of mitigating Federer’s great offensive play.
Djokovic’s court coverage is perhaps the greatest the men’s game has ever seen, and the more shots Federer is forced to play, the more likely his game will break down.
Indeed, this was exactly the case last year at Wimbledon and the US Open. Both matches were well-contested affairs but Federer’s shot-making let him down in key moments as he tried to take too much risk against an opponent who is rock solid with his shot-making when under pressure.
Djokovic has become a master at playing aggressive, yet low-risk tennis that enables him to dictate rallies against opposition who are then forced to go for the line to win a point. The Serb’s double-handed backhand, in particular, is arguably the most solid in the men’s game and it barely lets him down on big points.
With that said, Federer’s style is still the most likely to trouble Djokovic compared to the conservative styles often employed by other top players such as Andy Murray.
Stanislas Wawrinka’s victory over Djokovic at the French Open last year proved that a highly offensive game is the only way to beat the Serb at the highest level. It is not a risk-free approach by any stretch of the imagination but, if executed well, it is the approach most likely to yield results.
If Federer can execute with his serve and forehand tonight, he is a real chance of causing the upset. If unforced errors creep into his game at key moments, however, Djokovic’s solid and aggressive style of tennis will once again get the better of him.
Either way, tennis fans should brace themselves for a classic
Federer to win in five sets.
Gordon Smith
Guest
Given Nadal and now Djokovic have a superior win/loss ratio against Federer the claim that he is the greatest ever is questionable. No greatest ever would have poorer records against two other players. More a product of Federer presiding over a period of little depth when Andy Roddick was regularly number 2 in the world.
Steve
Guest
Thank goodness that's over. The crowd again was shocking tonight. Cheering Djokovic's misses, yet total silence at his winners. The Federer love-in he has had since 2004 continues. Unfortunately for the old man, he has a mental block against Novak and Nadal in Grand Slams, with losing records against both. And that is despite being the overwhelming fan favourite. Hoping for a good match tomorrow night. I reckon whoever wins will give Novak a good run for his money, but you'd be a brave man to go against the current world number 1.
Alan
Roar Guru
Roger Federer did very well to win the third set after a remarkable showing in the opening sets from Novak Djokovic who played some of the best tennis of his career. The Serb was schooling Federer with his extremely solid shot-making and he was never going to lose tonight after racing to a two sets to love lead. Federer fought back hard but Djokovic just too solid tonight and he is practically unbeatable at the Australian Open. I don't think Murray or Raonic can touch him in the final. Djokovic 6 6 3 6 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH DJOKOVIC Djokovic 6 6 3 6 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Three match points Djokovic 6 6 3 5 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
30-0 Djokovic 6 6 3 5 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
15-0 Djokovic 6 6 3 5 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic's forehand return was too strong and he breaks. He will now serve for a place in the Aus Open final Djokovic 6 6 3 5 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK DJOKOVIC Djokovic 6 6 3 5 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic's forehand hit the net and bounces over Federer for the winner! Break point Djokovic 6 6 3 4 Federer 1 2 6 3
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
WHAT A POINT
Alan
Roar Guru
Point of the tournament!!!!! How did Federer win that!!!!! Backhand down the line on the run when Djokovic had it all under control!!!!! Djokovic 6 6 3 4 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
15-30 Djokovic 6 6 3 4 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic once again with quick legs produces the passing backhand shot on the run! 0-30 Djokovic 6 6 3 4 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
What a forehand whip from Djokovic crosscourt! Too good! 0-15 Djokovic 6 6 3 4 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Expect Novak to make a move here as he edges closer to the finish line. Federer has to be alert. Djokovic 6 6 3 4 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic holds Djokovic 6 6 3 4 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic with the delicate touch at the net. 30-15 Djokovic 6 6 3 3 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
15 all as Djokovic goes long with the forehand. Djokovic 6 6 3 3 Federer 1 2 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Federer holds well under pressure at 30-30. He is serving very well now Djokovic 6 6 3 3 Federer 1 2 6 3