THAT’S ROGER AND OUT NOVAK
Federer destroys Djokovic to avenge Wimbledon loss
ROGER FEDERER gained revenge for his Wimbledon final defeat by destroying Novak Djokovic at the Nitto ATP Finals last night.
Federer fired down 12 aces in a devastating serving display to win 6-4, 6-3 in only 72 minutes at the O2. He won 81 per cent of points on his first serve in his first victory over Djokovic in four years.
The Serb’s early elimination means Rafa Nadal will finish the year as world No1.
As they did across London at SW19, the supporters were fervently backing Federer and cheered world No2 Djokovic’s double-faults.
Injury was added to insult for the Australian Open and Wimbledon champion as he was also nursing an elbow problem.
Six-time champion Federer has now reached the semi-finals of this event 16 times out of 17 – and every occasion since it moved to London in 2009.
Federer said: “Great atmosphere, great opponent. It was definitely incredibly special. I enjoyed it from the beginning.
“I played incredible and I knew I had to because that’s what Novak does. It was magical.” On what was different from
Wimbledon, Federer added: “I won match point, I guess! It was so close at Wimbledon. It was a privilege to play that match, so many ups and downs. I couldn’t be more happy right now.
“You always play better as the tournament goes on. Dominic Thiem has been supreme in our group, made life difficult for both of us, and made it so that it was winner goes through. I served great, had great anticipation, a clear game plan and it worked great tonight – hopefully not for the last time against Novak.
“I’m happy to stick around. I don’t think we know who I play so I’ll watch some tomorrow and get ready, then hopefully play some good tennis at the weekend.”
Thiem was yesterday tipped to become a future Grand Slam winner and worldbeater by fellow Austrian Thomas Muster. Thiem had already guaranteed his place in tomorrow’s semi-finals with wins over both Federer and Djokovic.
Muster said: “It’s only a question of time until he wins a Grand Slam and is world No 1.”