Djokovic not taking ‘fighter’ Federer lightly
MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic is ever respectful of “great fighter” Roger Federer, but the Serb goes into their Australian Open semifinal as clear favourite after beating the Swiss maestro in every Grand Slam meeting since Wimbledon 2012.
The pair enjoys one of world sport’s greatest rivalries and will face each other on Thursday for a 50th time stretching back to 2006. Djokovic leads 26-23.
While Federer won their last clash at the ATP Finals in November, the Serb has a psychological edge at the Slams, beating him in all five matches since losing in the All England club semis eight years ago.
Sixteen-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic has also been in fine touch at Melbourne Park as he targets a record eighth title, dropping just one set en route to the last four.
In contrast, Federer has lived dangerously, two points from defeat against John Millman in the third round and saving seven match points in his quarter-final against Tennys Sandgren.
Djokovic pointed to Federer’s heroics in that epic as to why he can never be written off, despite being 38. “What he did (against Sandgren) was amazing. He showed me he’s one of the best players of all time. I mean, he never gives up. When it matters the most, he’s focused and he plays his best tennis,” he said. “He’s a great fighter. Obviously I have lots of respect for him.”
Federer and Djokovic have dominated the Australian Open for years with the all-conquering pair sharing 12 of the last 14 titles. Djokovic is the defending champion but Federer won in 2018. “I think conditions suit us well here. Probably something to do with court speed, feeling comfortable down here,” said world No 3 Federer, who is gunning for a 21st Major crown.
Djokovic insists his record over Federer at the Slams since 2012 doesn’t tell the full story, pointing to their classic Wimbledon final last year. In that memorable fight, the Swiss had two match points and was one shot from victory.
Federer goes into Thursday’s blockbuster on Rod Laver Arena after playing 14 gruelling sets in his last three matches, but insisted “I feel pretty good right now”. He is also under an injury cloud after a rare medical timeout midway through his quarterfinal for a groin strain which hampered his movement. He dropped two sets after comfortably taking the first, before rallying to come through in five.
“I don’t know if you can call it an injury. It’s just pain and problems,” he said afterwards. “Good nights of sleep, doctors, physios. Hopefully we’ll find out that it’s actually nothing bad.”