Djokovic Downs Federer for U.S. Open Title
In another chapter of the Novak Djokovic-Roger Federer rivalry, it was Djokovic once again who came out on top. The world number one from Serbia captured the 10th Grand Slam title of his career and his third in 2015, beating Federer 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 in nearly three and a half hours on Sunday evening in Flushing Meadows.
In the 42nd edition of the Djokovic-Federer rivalry, it was Djokovic who came out firing early on in a match that was delayed for about three hours. He broke for a 2-1 lead and looked to seize momentum, but during a rally, he slipped going for a ball and scraped his elbow. Federer saw his opportunity, and broke Djokovic right back to even things at 2-2.
But Djokovic would get his break advantage back, ripping a backhand winner for a 4-3 lead, and went on to serve out the opening set 6-4.
As Federer began to work himself into the match in the second set, the fan favorite Federer began to have the crowd decidedly in his favor. Wanting to see the five-time champion embark on a comeback, the Arthur Ashe fans urged on Federer, and the Swiss was able to secure the only break of the set at 6-5 on a one-handed backhand winner past Djokovic.
“He's having a wonderful season, like in 2011,” said Federer of his opponent. “He's just really consistent. Seems like there are not many guys that can hang with him, don't have the tools or dare to go forward, or they do not dare to serve and volley against him because he's so good on the return. He's perfected his game on the hard courts, no doubt about it. He's having unbelievable career, and tonight is another example of that.”
The Serb is used to not having the crowds on his side during Grand Slam titles, and he once again embraced everybody being against him. His aggressiveness picked up in the third set, winning all six of the points when he came to the net, and capitalizing on both of his break chances to win the set 6-4.
“It's just so nice to feel that, that they want you to get back in the match, and they want you to win,” said Federer on the crowd rallying behind him. “They enjoy what they're seeing, and it feels like they're getting their money's worth. I guess its entertainment to some extent, as well. It was a great battle, and I'm happy the people stayed after the rain delay and that they were right there when I needed them to the very end.”
In the fourth, Djokovic broke early and built a 3-1 lead. He would go up a double-break, and even after Federer got one back which brought the crowd energy back into it, Djokovic came from 15-40 down on serve at 5-4 to close out Federer and win his second career U.S. Open title.
“I have tremendous respect for Roger and what his game [presents] to me and any other player,” a complimentary Djokovic said on court after the match. “It’s been an incredible season. Next to 2011, probably the best of my life.”
It has been an incredible season for the Serb. He captured three major titles and if it weren’t for Stan Wawrinka at Roland Garros, would’ve won the Calendar Slam.
Federer and Djokovic have now both won 21 meetings each in their head-to-head rivalry, and after the match the 34-year-old Federer discussed how much he respects the world number one.
“I had a wonderful last two weeks, the whole American trip has been fantastic,” said Federer, who was just four of 23 on break point chances. “I’m very pleased with where my game is at, being back in the finals is where you want to me. Playing against a massive champion like Novak is always a challenge. It’s always tough playing against one another and I think we walk away from [each match] knowing more about or game.”
