Liguori: Djokovic Shows Why He's Been No. 1 For 4 Of Last 5 Years
By Ann Liguori
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As much as we all love five-time US Open champ Roger Federer, owner of 17 Grand Slam titles, it's time for New York to appreciate the great Novak Djokovic, now a two-time US Open champ and winner of 10 Major Championships! Djokovic is a tremendous talent and a class act.
Despite a loud, pro-Federer crowd, and playing against the greatest tennis player in history, top seed Djokovic looked as solid and consistent as ever, defeating the 2nd seed in the men's final, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.
In the Djokovic-Federer rivalry that dates back to 2006, their head-to-head is now even at 21-21, with Djokovic winning four of the six times they've played this year and now eight of the 14 times they've played in Grand Slam events.
Through four sets, Federer only converted four of 23 points. He hit 56 winners to Djokovic's 35 but made 54 unforced errors to Djokovic's 37.
In the first set, Djokovic broke first in the third game to take a 2-1 lead but in the fourth game, the 28-year-old slipped and took a hard fall, running up to return a shot. Federer was able to break back in that game to tie it up at 2-all. Federer held serve to make it 3-2 and during the change-over, Djokovic called a trainer to treat the scrape on his elbow. Djokovic was able to shake off the fall and break Federer again to take a 4-3 lead and then served out the set to win it at 6-4.
In the second set, Federer raised his level of play and used a tactic labeled the SABR (Sneak Attack By Roger), in which Roger stands right up at the service line to return serve and then comes into net. It's a tactic he tried in practice and it worked so well for him, he started using it this season to throw off his opponents.
Federer need four set points but he was able to take the second set, 7-5.
Djokovic then grabbed the third set, 6-4, Federer not being able to capitalize on five break point opportunities in that third set.
In the fourth, Djokovic led 5-2 but Federer made him work extra hard to close it out, 6-4. Federer had six break point opportunities in the fourth set but only converted on one of those break points.
After the match, Federer said, "It's true. I'm very pleased with where my games at. It's moving in the right direction. Thanks to a great team...they keep challenging me...I love the sport. I have a lot of passion. And I'll see you guys next year!"
In his on-court interview, Djokovic expressed his respect and admiration for Roger and wished him the best in the future. "As I said, I have a tremendous respect for Roger and what his game is to me and playing against the best player in the history of the game, adds more pressure. You can always give your best on the court and knowing he's going to be very aggressive and take the best out of you."
And on his incredible season, Djokovic said: "Next to 2011, this is probably the best season of my life. I'm a husband and a father and this makes it even sweeter."
Yes, what a year it has been for Djokovic! His superb play in Grand Slams started with his winning his fifth Australian Open title, getting to the final at the French Open, winning his third Wimbledon title in July, beating Federer in four sets then, and tonight, beating Federer again in four sets to win his second US Open title.
And to beat the crowd favorite when the 34-year-old legend has enjoyed such an incredible hard court season, playing so well, looking like he's 27 again.
Djokovic deserves all the accolades. What a season, what a career! And there's much more to come from the very talented, affable Serb.
This Grand Slam may have started as the 'Serena Open' but it ended as a brilliant display of two of the greatest tennis players in the men's game, with Djokovic showing why he's been number one for four of the last five years.
