Novak
Djokovic beats Roger Federer to win the ATP World Title
Novak
Djokovic put a firm stamp on his Number 1 ranking by emphatically
beating Roger Federer in the final of the ATP World Tour Finals.
The
Serbian won 7-6 (8-6) 7-5 to add the season ending title to his
Australian Open victory and top ranking.
Djokovic
needed two hours and 14 minutes to take two sets in a match that had
dramatic swings in momentum. It was the second time Djokovic has won
the ATP finale, following his triumph in Shanghai four years ago.
Djokovic
said
“ It’s
not the first time that Roger started so well against me. I’ve
experienced before his aggression, really trying to put his mark on
the match”.
Roger
Federer was attempting to become the first man since Andy Murray’s
coach Ivan Lendl, twenty five years ago to win hat- trick of season-
ending championships and his seventh overall.
The
31 year old admitted in defeat that.
“ At
the end of the day that doesn’t matter you have to get over the
finish line in the set and then obviously the match. He was better at
that today.”
Federer
has made London’s 02 arena something of a second home over the last
two years and certainly wasn’t lacking in support as he is perhaps
one of the greatest tennis players of all the time.
The
atmosphere might not have been so cranked up at the start as it was
in during his semi final against Andy Murray on Sunday, but the
Federer fans were in full voice as their man reeled off the first
nine points.
Djokovic
appeared out of sync, fluffing a routine volley and firing long as he
slipped on the court, there were ironic cheers when he finally got on
the board in game three.
The
winners were mainly flowing from Federer but it was a case of
brilliance against resilience as Djokovic dug in and weathered the
storm by extending the rallies whenever possible.
Federer
netted a forehand to give back the break in game five and the contest
came alive once again. Djokovic hit a brilliant cross- court
forehand when reaching to his right to move 5-4 ahead, he then failed
to convert the set point on the serve Federer hit back to level it.
These
heavy blows took a physical the tll when Djokovic was knocked off
his feet by a Federer effort which resulted in Djokovic needing
attention at the changeover. The hour mark passed and the pair headed
into a pulsating tie- break.
Djokovic
took the initiative, but then Federer played a blinding forehand and
punch the air and brought the 02 crowd to it's feet.
Djokovic
wasn't affected as moments later he clinched the set with a forehand
winner after a Federer error.
Federer resumed his early dominance, and when he saw off a break point at 4-3 with an ace he looked on course to force a decider.
Djokovic had recovered from even worse positions against Murray and Juan Martin del Potro in the last week, however, and Federer helped him out when serving for the set at 40-15.
His forehand deserted him and two set points went begging as Djokovic, now peppering the
baseline with his returns, reeled off four straight points to level.
Having been on the verge of levelling the match, Federer was now hanging on for dear life.
Djokovic battled through his own service game and a couple more loose shots from Federer, under pressure from the Serb's returns, offered up match point, seemingly from nowhere.
The final point was played out much like the match, with Federer taking control only for Djokovic to come up with the answer - a spectacular backhand down the line on the stretch.
The tennis calendar year is over for 2012, but 2013 promises to be another roller coaster year of exciting tennis with the Australian Open in January, the Roland Garros in March and Wimbledon in June. Is 2013 the year that Djokovic keeps his Number One ranking or will some knock him off the perch.
Novak Djokovic
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