Federer Beats Djokovic for Record Seventh Dubai Crown
Roger Federer won his seventh Dubai Duty Free Championships title on Saturday night, beating world number one Novak Djokovic 6-3, 7-5.
The Swiss improves to 84-42 in ATP Finals and notched his second title of the young season.
“I think the first set belonged to me; whereas the second set belonged to him more,” said Federer. “He created many more opportunities. I struggled to get into his service games more frequently. It seemed like the moment I wasn’t serving great he created chances for himself and put a lot of pressure on me.”
Federer got things going early in the first set by saving two break points. He then notched the first break of the match in the eighth game, allowing him to serve out the remainder of the 37-minute set.
The second set was much tighter but the Serb was just never able to pick up the key momentum points in the frame. He coughed up two set points late, and then at 5-5, had his serve broken which allowed Federer to consolidate with a hold and win the 84-minute match in straight sets.
Djokovic failed to capitalize on seven break point chances as the best return man in the sport couldn’t muster up a single break.
Federer now improves to 20-17 all-time against Djokovic.
“I think it’s really become a very nice rivalry,” said Federer. “I think we play very nicely against each other, and it seems people like the way we play against each other, as well. I don’t think we have to adjust our games very much against each other, which I think it’s nice, as well. We can just play our game, and then the better man wins.”
Djokovic, a four-time champion in Dubai, still holds a comfortable lead over Federer in the world rankings. He falls to 49-23 all-time in final matches.
