Federer fears threat of old foe Djokovic as he closes in on 100th title

IT was on the red clay of Monaco 12 years ago that the rivalry between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic first surfaced, Federer going on to win match one of 47.

Federer won their first four encounters, Djokovic their last four, in a headto-head admittedly overshadowed by Federer’s with Rafael Nadal but not without its own drama.

With the greatest respect to Marin Cilic, whom Djokovic faces tonight, and then whoever lies in wait in tomorrow’s semi-finals, the indications in London are for a Djokovic-Federer final.

After Federer’s abject display on the opening night in Kei Nishikori, such a dream final looked inconceivable. But after topping his group by beating Kevin Anderson last night 6-4, 6-2, Federer said: “I’m happy that this is another week like this. Didn’t look like it maybe 72 hours ago but I was able to come back and play good tennis.”

Victory on Sunday would mark a 100th career title for the 37-year-old Swiss but he countered: “I’m still not thinking of the number 100. I won’t let that get in my head. As long as I think Novak is in the draw — he’s playing so good again — it’s never going to be easy.”

The pair’s rivalry was never anticipated by Federer. In their earlier years on tour, he said in confidence he did not anticipate a long-term threat, instead his focus was on Nadal.

But in some ways, against Djokovic, Federer is almost more at ease, the obstacle on the other side of the net such that he can more freely play his natural game as the Serbian counter punches from the back of the court.

Having spent in excess of 94 hours in