ATP World Tour Finals: It was a big challenge physically, says Djokovic

Serb overcomes Federer to start title defence on a high.

LONDON: Novak Djokovic overcame the ‘physical challenge’ of his campaign opener to get the better of Roger Federer for the second time in four days as the Serb started the defence of his ATP World Tour Finals title with a 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 6-2 win on Tuesday.

Djokovic had triumphed when the two old rivals met in the semi-finals of the Paris Masters on Saturday and they produced another gripping encounter across the English Channel at London’s O2 Arena.

Once again Djokovic had the upper hand as the world number two began his bid for a third crown at the season-ending tournament by repeating his victory over Swiss great Federer in last year’s final.

Neither player was at their best, with Federer making 45 unforced errors and Djokovic 33, but the erratic quality of the tennis couldn’t detract from the drama.

“It was a big challenge physically,” said Djokovic. “Only 48 hours ago, I was playing in Paris so to be able to beat Roger is incredible.

“I have to enjoy the win and then think about the recovery. The good thing is there is a day off. I’m going to try and recharge my batteries mentally and physically and get ready to play Juan Martin del Potro.”

Federer added: “Novak proves time and again he is one of the best defensive players we have ever seen.

“But I didn’t think it was as high quality a match as the final last year. Novak struggled at times and so did I. It was the first match so there were always going to be errors.”

Since losing the US Open final to Rafael Nadal in September, Djokovic has played like a man on a mission to erase the bitter aftertaste of that defeat.

This was his 18th consecutive victory since trudging off court as a loser in New York, a run that has brought him titles in Beijing, Shanghai and Paris, and another crown in London looks a distinct possibility.

In contrast, after one of the worst campaigns of his illustrious career, Federer has tumbled to sixth in the world rankings and will fail to finish the year as a member of the world’s top four for the first time since 2002.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2013.

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