Roger Federer shocks French Open by beating Novak Djokovic

Roger Federer shocks French Open by beating Novak Djokovic

Post by Giovann » Sun, 05 Jun 2011 09:39:09

Roger Federer, the last man to beat Novak Djokovic, six months ago in
London, did it again in Paris to stop the Serb's remarkable unbeaten
run at 43 but, more significantly, he confounded pre-tournament
predictions to reach Sunday's final of the French Open against Rafael
Nadal.

Not many at Roland Garros, except dreamers and charlatans, would have
predicted such a scenario two weeks ago the Swiss was 18-1 then,
Djokovic close to even money in most markets nor the dramatic climax
to the second semi-final.

Federer, the world No3, will start a slight underdog against Nadal,
who needs one more championship to match the six garnered by Bjorn
Borg, and has lost only once here in 44 matches but after such a
stirring performance all things seem possible again. Nadal was back in
his hotel, celebrating his 25th birthday and recovering from the
exertions of an edgy, wind-marred three-sets victory over Andy Murray
when Federer completed a 7-5, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 upset against his 24-year-
old opponent in near darkness on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Djokovic was gracious in defeat but, visibly spent, announced he was
withdrawing from Queen's next week to prepare for Wimbledon. His has
been a whirlwind adventure and could well resume in London in three
weeks' time.

The ancien rgime, meanwhile, is restored. The two players who have
held the summit of men's tennis since February 2004 have, for the time
being at least, held off the Serbian charge. They will give Paris a
match to cherish, no doubt, as they have in most of their 24
encounters.

"I would think it is the best match I played this year," Federer said.
"I did really well, a top start when I was able to break. But I know
he has always got something in his racket to break me as well. There
was a lot of pressure on Novak but he handled it great. It was a
pleasure playing against him. He can still achieve so much more this
year."

Djokovic, who had the benefit of four days' rest after a walkover
against the injured Italian Fabio Fognini, was the favourite to go
through but struggled to contain Federer's serve and all-round court
intelligence.

"After the first set I was going down a little bit," Djokovic said.
"He was taking control of the match but I managed to come back,
definitely not easy against Roger. I tried to moderate myself. I think
I played well. He played really well in important moments. I
congratulate him. We were part of a very good match but it feels bad
losing.

"I was serving for the fourth set but he played a couple of good
points and he deserved it. During the tournament you feel the energy.
You need the daily routine. These were the best months of my life, an
incredible period. It had to end some time. Unfortunately it came in a
bad moment. What happened happened. I can't affect it any more. A
couple of points decided it. This is sport. There is nothing to be
sorry about. I have pulled out of Queens and will take a rest before
Wimbledon."

As the light died over Roland Garros, the Swiss moved with the
precision of his country's clocks. Djokovic, hitherto irresistible,
was fighting off the nerves that often arrested his development in the
past. The tumult that consumed the court was exhilarating as Federer
saved two break points to go 6-5 up in the fourth, forcing Djokovic to
serve to stay in the championship. The crowd were with Federer, who
won here two years ago, the nerves were with Djokovic, old turmoil
replacing recent certainties, as he stayed deep.

With a tie-break in prospect, Djokovic dinked the most delicious drop
shot, confounding Federer, who was rooted to the baseline. The Serb
hit a forehand wide for deuce and anxieties rose on both sides of the
net. The strut returned and Djokovic killed the point with his deadly
two-fisted backhand from centre court. Federer, subdued behind base
line, hit deep and it was 6-6.

The assemblage could not ask for better theatre, what they could see
of it in the gloaming. The narrative was thus reduced to a final
handful of strokes: a drop shot put Federer 1-0 up; a belting forehand
from deep made it 2-0 but he was helpless to reach Djokovic's forehand
for 2-1. The Serb made a miracle save and Federer hit just long for
2-2. Federer held his second serve for 3-2 but netted a backhand for
3-3. Djokovic, nerves rattling, netted 4-3 Federer. The Swiss hit
his 17th ace for 5-3, with another big serve giving him three match
points at 6-3. Djokovic clipped the net, 6-4 (and they booed the net).
Djokovic served his sixth ace for 6-5 and Federer hit his 18th to
win the match.

Now that is a finish. It was the match of the championship, perhaps
the best of the year, and one that ended a great run while reigniting
the career of a true great of the game.