Novak claims advantage against Federer
AS if crushing his Wimbledon dream wasn’t enough, now Novak Djokovic has warned Roger Federer that Rod Laver Arena is his house ahead of their Australian Open semifinal blockbuster in Melbourne.
Tonight’s showdown is the 50th clash of the two titans but their first meeting at a major since the super Serb rose from the canvas to deliver the great Swiss a devastating blow at the All England Club last July.
Federer has treated tennis’ most hallowed centre court like his own back yard in piling up an unrivalled eight Wimbledon titles from 12 finals since landing the first of his 20 Grand
Slams in London in 2003.
But in fighting back from successive match points down on Federer’s serve to steal the trophy from him in the epic 2019 final, Djokovic crippled his rival’s hopes of ending his career as the most successful player in history.
And the owner of a record seven Australian Open crowns was happy to remind Federer who’s boss at Melbourne Park after setting up the 17th instalment of their 14-year Grand Slam rivalry.
“In the end of the day, this is my favourite court – the court where I had the most success in my career,” said Djokovic, who hasn’t dropped a set since the first round and is unbeaten in 11 hardcourt matches in 2020.
Djokovic’s Wimbledon triumph extended the Serb’s mastery over Federer at the majors to five matches and seven years.
Still, the reigning Open champion retains the utmost respect for the 38-year-old world No.3.
“I know that whenever we get a chance to play each other, we understand it takes a big effort and it’s required from us to come up with the best game in order to win against each other,” Djokovic said.
Darren Walton