Federer vs Djokovic: All about the semis!
by Constance Rigot | by Constance Rigot
One Game, Two Legends
He has participated in 16 of the last 21 Grand Slam finals, winning 9 of those. In Australia he has won 4 of the last 5 Opens. Only Wawrinka in 2014 has managed to halt the perfect record. Of course we are talking about Djokovic. Squashing his competition for two years, the Serb was once again unplayable against Nishikori in the Quarterfinals of this year’s Open (6-3, 6-2, 6-4). Always playing at his best in the heat of Melbourne, the King must be wary of the Legend. Restricted from winning his 18th Major by ‘Nole’ at both Wimbledon and US Open 2015, Roger, playing brilliant tennis, does not want to let another chance of increasing his legend slip through his fingers. Focus is on the Semifinal of dreams between two sacred players of tennis.
Who has the advantage?
Slight advantage to Djokovic! Beyond his capacity to go the distance over five sets, the Serb is clearly superior and Melbourne feels like his home ; it is of course the Open in which he has raised the title 5 times, 4 of those in the last five years. In his last 50 matches at Melbourne, he has lost just 3 times. To add to that he is riding on his wave from 2015 (95% victories) whilst he is yet to lose this calender year. Terrifying. Roger’s service game is certainly up to scratch (he has conceded only 5 break points in 5 matches), his forehand incredibly effective and an ease at the net. The pieces are in place!
Djokovic too strong?
If we look to the record between the two, it is 22/22 for Djokovic and Federer. The problem for Roger is he has lost the last three confrtontations in Grand Slams, two of them occurring last year at Wimbledon and the US Open. It has been two years since Novak has been under extreme pressure in a five setter. The Serb was very much under the kosh against Gilles Simon in the Round of 16 just a few days ago (6-3 6-7 6-4 4-6 6-3) but rarely is he worn out. Djokovic has been involved in 13 five setters against Top 10 competition since 2013, winning 10 of those clashes. Federer knows that when cardio is in question, Djokovic is better than anyone. Roger has lost three times in the deciding set 5th sets in Majors to the World No.1.
Why should Roger believe?
Since his 1st tour, Roger has lead his own way ahead of the times. With only 9 hours played in five matches, the King is fresh and knows thus that he has multiplied his chances of finally rising to the occassion facing Djokovic in a best of 5 sets. In play the Swiss has shown everybody that he is as incisive as he was in 2015, not hestating to come to net. The unfortunate Berdych paid the price (7-6, 6-2, 6-4). The most exciting point is that Roger has promised to use his ‘SABR’ against Djokovic. He knows that if he is to deprive Djokovic of time he must be the agressor constantly. Roger has already won this tournament five times (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010). RF has the weapons. We await to see if the Djoker has taken his last win for this year.
Our betting tips
Roger has hit back and swayed away any impressions that he will be swept away by Djokovic. 'The King' has not already shown his full potential and could grab an advantage early in the tie that could see both men competing at a high level. The odds we incite lean towards the Swiss. However Novak is very solid in the 5th set.
Top 5 of bets on Federer vs Djokovic
We’ve selected the best 5 bets to attempt on this game with the most favourable odds
- Set 1 Federer:
- Exact Score 1st set:
- More than 41.5 games:
- Handicap - Roger Federer +1.5:
- 5 sets in the match:
Find our comprehensive analysis & predictions on the Federer vs Djokovic match!
