Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer will be squaring off for the 36th time in their careers when they renew their rivalry in the semifinals of the Shanghai Rolex Masters.
The head-to-head series could be all tied up at 18-17 by the end of play on Saturday, and that will become a reality if Djokovic takes care of business as a slight favorite and maintains his Asian domination. Djokovic has won five of their last seven meetings, including a victory in their most recent and one of their most significant matches. In this summer’s Wimbledon final, the Serb triumphed 6-7(7), 6-4, 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-4.
While this Asian swing is never the most important time of year, it is arguably Djokovic’s favorite. The world No. 1 just improved to 24-0 lifetime in Beijing with his fifth straight title there and he is the two-time defending champion in Shanghai. So far this week, Djokovic has defeated Dominic Thiem, Mikhail Kukushkin, and David Ferrer.
Like his opponent, Federer has also dropped one set en route to the semis. The 33-year-old Swiss saved five match points in an opening win over Leonardo Mayer before beating Roberto Bautista Agut and Julien Benneteau.
“I think we always play tough against each other,” Federer noted. “I think we’re both in good shape right now. We both enjoy playing here in Shanghai. He’s playing a great season again. I think I have a good game at the moment. I really hope I can come up with some good shotmaking and solid play because that’s what it’s going to require against him. There are not that many secrets out there. We’ve played each other too many times at this point.”
Federer will give himself a chances if he plays consistently aggressive and serves as well as he did against Benneteau (77 percent, 11 aces, no double-faults) but it is borderline foolish to ever pick against Djokovic in Asia.
Pick: Djokovic in 3
[polldaddy poll=8366129]
Poor @filter…………
Fedal just won’t go quietly into the night……………
When Rafa gets back Djokovic will be back where he belongs, #3.
RT @juan_jo_sports: “That is one heck of a damaging loss for the World No. 1. A direct consequence might be not being World No. 1 for much longer.”
RT @juan_jo_sports: “The stats really don’t lie: that wasn’t even close. RF with 9% more return points won, 9 more BPs created. 8% more total points won. A rout.”
Maybe Roger will make the most of a Rafaless tournament this time, but it would be very funny, haha, if the title goes to an outsider for the 3rd time in Rafa’s absence. I wouldn’t rule Simon out although I think Federer is the favourite.
Ricky, my posts are going into ‘moderation’ then takes a whole day to come through!
I didn’t realize the implications of this win for year end #1. I thought that Novak had it wrapped up. This is really something.
Too bad for the likes of filter. You just can’t keep Fedal down! Just wait until Rafa is back!
Never write off great champions!
on reflection the result wasn’t really that surprising. Contrary to the eulogies from my unfavourite coterie of TV commentators, Djokovic didn’t strike me as being particularly convincing this week. Nevertheless I was truly impressed by Federer today. The old boy simply refused to go away and the more frustrated Djokovic became the more errors he made.
Never in doubt and borderline foolish, My ass.
#Masterclass
#ToldYouSo
#peRFect
http://twitter.com/SI_Tennis/status/520937832945184768
#Masterclass
#CreditWhereCreditsDue
http://twitter.com/juan_jo_sports/status/520934408203681792
not really
Not far from it. Score was closer than the match. Federer was in complete control.
Perfect conditions for Fed and he took full advantage as predicted.
not far from it, which is exactly why i said not really
the tweet was incorrect, albeit close to being correct
#DoYou
#PickyDimon
#Moot
#peRFect
[polldaddy poll=8368298]
Fed took Djoko out of his comfort zone, just defending the baseline; also Fed’s serve was on. It was clear after the first few games who the eventual winner would be.
There has been so much talk about Novak doing well in the fall hard court season, including from myself. However, Fed hasn’t been too shabby during this part of the tennis year in the past. Shame on me for not remembering that. These courts are also ideal for his game. Last year he was playing so poorly. But this year he’s come back strong. I give him credit to be able to do this at the age of 33.
The indoor courts are even better for Fed. He has a chance to make something happen late in the year. I don’t know that Novak is going to be able to replicate what he did last year. Fed might have something to say about that.
“I’m not going to come into the match and play terrible. It just won’t happen. Not against Simon.”
https://tenngrand.com/2014/10/11/shanghai-final-preview-and-pick-federer-vs-simon/