Roger Federer vs. Novak Djokovic: Preview

Roger Federer

Roger Federer chasing sixth straight U.S. Open title

Roger Federer enters Friday’s semi-final against Novak Djokovic knowing he has a chance to make history.

Writing history is something the Swiss No. 1 has grown very accustomed to through his illustrious career. He holds nearly every record known to man in the world of tennis. Still, he will want to enter his semi-final with Djokovic knowing that the Serb is a very worthy opponent.

After a slow start to his 2009 season, Federer has exploded back into form in time for the U.S. Open. Having won the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters tournament in Cincinnati just prior to the start of the U.S. Open, Federer has carried his good form on the hard surface straight into the tournament he has dominated for the last half decade.

During his run to the 2009 semi-finals, Federer has dropped only two sets in his first five matches. Quarter-finalist Robin Söderling put up a valiant effort to force a fifth set after going down 2-0, but came up short in the fourth set tiebreak.

Federer had dominated the opening two sets, but conceded the third set in a dramatic tiebreak. He held serve throughout the match.

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic looking to claim second career Grand Slam title.

Novak Djokovic comes into the U.S. Open semi-final with Federer knowing he has beaten the No. 1 seed before. However, Djokovic will be looking to beat Federer on a stage that he hasn’t lost on in six years.

Djokovic won his first two meetings against Federer in 2009 after an impressive start. He beat the Swiss No. 1 in Miami on the hardcourt, and followed it up with a clay court victory in Rome back in May.

In fact, Djokovic’s only loss to Federer this year came in Cincinnati, only three weeks ago. The loss, however, was an emphatic one, and must weigh on the mind of the Serb ahead of Friday’s clash.

In similar fashion to Federer, Djokovic has also only dropped two sets from his first five matches en route to the final four. His four set quarter-final victory over Fernando Verdasco followed a three set mauling of Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic in the round of 16.

Prediction

The Fed Express leads the Federer vs. Djokovic head-to-head series 8-4, and has the psychological advantage over his opponent after beating Djokovic twice at the US Open, both in 2007 and 2008.

In the 2007 U.S. Open Final, Federer beat Djokovic in straight sets, while in 2008, in a semi-final match, Djokovic was able to take the match to a fourth, before ultimately conceding to the king of Queens.

Federer’s opening two sets against Robin Söderling were an example of Federer’s dominance. Federer won the first set 6-0 and never gave Söderling a sniff.

Only when Söderling adjusted to an all-or-nothing mindset in the third set was he able to have any luck. Even then, he was unsuccessful in breaking Federer’s serve.

Djokovic will likely have to take the same approach against Federer if he is to have any chance of reaching the final. Federer serves extremely well and finds angles better than anyone.

Simply put, Djokovic will need to be at his best and hope for Federer to have an off day if he is to advance. Unfortunately for the Serb, it looks to be too many “if’s," as Federer looks set for yet another U.S. Open Final appearance.

Prediction: Federer in four sets

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