World number three, Novak Djokovic, beat Roger Federer, world number two on Saturday to confirm that he now knows the Swiss’ number. The Serb has now defeated Federer three times this year and remains unbeaten on the tour where he has now played 19 matches without any loss. Federer lost his composure and the match 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 and with that loss, the Swiss master will lose his second place ranking to the Serb when ATP Tour rankings are released today.
Djokovic said on atptour.com that he expects to beat Nadal. “I have played Nadal many times, and many times in the late stages of the tournaments, especially in the semis and finals of the major events. I know how it feels like to be in the big stand or how it feels like to play him, so I will be prepared. I want this trophy as much as he wants it, so we’ll both step into the court tomorrow wanting that win.”
Djokovic had lost just 12 games total en route to the semi-finals, the fewest by a player at an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament after four matches. Federer had also reached the semi-finals without the loss of a set. Federer has now lost to Djokovic in two consecutive semi final matches and the former world number one bemoaned another lost chance as all three of Federer’s losses this season have come against the Serb.
Bright side
But Federer added that he was pleased that he was losing to top ranked players and not players rated 50 and below. “I don’t know if I’d rather lose against three multiple different guys ranked outside of the top 50. I guess not. I’d rather lose against a guy that’s ranked very high so I know I’m controlling the rest of the field against top guys. If I’m playing well, I know I can beat them, too. So that’s what it is. At the end of the day I can’t change it, and I’m happy with my game.”
“I had my chances today in the singles. I thought it was a good match, played at a high level. I know I wasn’t far away at all today, because I really had him going. But look, I guess he escaped. I guess confidence is a big thing for him at the moment. I’m sure it’s gonna be a good final tomorrow,” he added, referring to the final match that will be between Djokovic and Nadal.
Djokovic is pursuing his third title of the season, after winning the Australian Open and his 20th tour-level title in Dubai.
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