Djokovic beats Federer in Heavyweight semi-final clash

Federer came into this match having won 47 of 50 matches since last years US Open loss to Djokovic. A run in which he captured 7 titles, reclaimed the number 2 ranking (as of last week), and in the process had Federer fans in a frenzy of excitement about the possibility of the Swiss master reclaiming the number 1 ranking and adding to his record 16 Slam titles. If anything was going to sow a seed of doubt in Djokovic’s mind it was going to be Roger in his current form, but Novak stepped up to the plate and showed despite slipping slightly from his impeccable 2011 form, he’s still the top dog in the world of tennis.

Having secured the first set 6-2, and having 5-4, 30-0 in the second Djokovic looked like he was going to cruise to a routine victory, but Federer suddenly loosened up and produced some stunning winners to break back. A couple of service holds and they were into a tie break with the crowd firmly behind Federer. Novak broke Feds first service point in the tie-break, in a mesmerizing 25 shot rally and never looked back.

Federer fans will be concerned that Roger actually played well in this match but Djokovic’s accuracy and consistent power were too much for the Swiss legend. The match never truly reached boiling point, but if these 2 heavyweights meet in a best of 5 set match at Roland Garros starting a week Monday we could be in for a treat.

Djokovic will take on Nadal in tomorrow’s final, the winner likely to be installed as favourite for the upcoming French Open.

Tags Djokovic beats Federer in Rome Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal Roger Federer Rome Tennis Masters tennis news