It isn’t like Roger Federer hasn’t tasted defeat in a Grand Slam final. Before taking on Novak Djokovic in the summit clash of this year’s US Open, Federer had been in 26 major finals. He’d won 17. But he’d also lost 9.
This tenth defeat though had a different texture. Never before had the most successful player in history contributed as much to his own capitulation as on this electric New York night. The bare numbers are telling.
Federer made 54 unforced errors. Djokovic 37.
Federer converted just 4 of his 23 break points. Djokovic 6 of 13.
Surely I am very disappointed. I had too many break chances. Of course some of them I could have done better, should have done better, you know, all these things.
— Roger Federer
Federer entered the Arthur Ashe arena as equal favourite. He hadn’t lost a set over his last eleven matches. His ultra-aggressive tactics, typified by the cleverly coined “Sneak Attack by Roger” or SABR had mesmerised the circuit.
On this night though, Djokovic had prepared for his rival’s approach. He lost four points when Federer hustled his second serve, but also won four.
“I think it worked very well, and I’m sure I will use it more in the future against him and many others,” Federer insisted later. “Maybe I should have played even more of it.”
This night though belonged to the Serb, who conquered the moment in body, mind and spirit. He soaked in the high-octane pressure imposed by a 23,000 strong partisan crowd, unabashedly rooting for the man across the net.
On the clutch points, Djokovic found the appropriate response almost every single time. Nearly three and a half hours after this relentless joust, he had his third major of the year and joined an elite group of eight men in history to have won ten or more Grand Slams.
That’s why I’m playing this sport. First of all, I enjoy it, I love it, have passion for it, and then, you know, fight for the biggest trophies.
— Novak Djokovic
That is a chilling warning to the chasing pack from the 28-year old. Federer, six years older, is unlikely to return to his era of dominance despite rekindling the sparkle in his play. Rafael Nadal’s frail body has found an unwelcome companion in wretched form. Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka provide only the occasional burst of inspiration. The others make up the numbers.
He’s having unbelievable career. Clearly he can win many of them. He already has a ton (10 majors), so obviously he’s got to stay healthy and all that stuff and hungry, but obviously you would think he will win more after tonight.
— Roger Federer
It’s official. We have entered the age of the Djoker.
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