Tennis Prose




Feb/15

28

Federer Masterclasses Djokovic in Dubai

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Today Roger Federer showed he can still summon a magical level of tennis and dominate the best player in the world.

Roger Federer was absolutely breathtaking today as he impressively mastered Djokovic in every aspect of the game. The final score was 63 75. Federer now leads the head to head twenty to seventeen. Also today, Federer hit his 9,000th career ATP ace.

Djokovic appeared to be playing his best tennis but everything he sent to Federer came back with interest. The backhand winners, volleys, movement, forehands on the rise, and serving were perhaps better than ever today for the Federer Tennis Machine.

Even when Federer found himself in precarious positions – down numerous break points including several fifteen-forty situation, he dug his way out of the adversity like Houdini, primarily with lethal serving of aces and unreturnable serves.

Djokovic battled gamely till the end but was never able to get over the hump. Even when a fan yelled out during the first match point – which Fed netted a forehand on the first ball into an open court, followed by a double fault, Fed still composed himself and finished the job with a short forehand winner into an open court.

Federer said after he always enjoys playing Djokovic and the challenge seems to bring out his best tennis.

To be honest, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen Federer play better than today, in a best two out of three. Save for a few netcorded forehands and narrow misses outside the lines, and one missed volley and drop shot, Federer was perfect today.

One aspect I feel should be mentioned about today’s duel: there were a hint of gamesmanship examples by Federer. How he changes racquets in the 3-3 and 4-3 games, making Djokovic wait and pause those extra seconds. Both times Federer did that trick of his, he broke Djokovic.

Also, three times on big points, Federer provoked Djokovic to miss and well before the ball landed, Federer had already yelled, somewhat rudely, come on. Federer gets a pass on this behavior, but if Djokovic did these theatrics, the fans would have surely rebuked him for it.

Djokovic may have came up on the losing end but it was he who was the perfect sportsman today, no stalling, no negativity displays, no outward signs of emotion or bravado.

Once again, Roger Federer showed today he is certainly a threat to win a major this year and even who knows, maybe regain the number one ranking. He was that sensationally spectacular today.

(Artwork by Barbara L. Jendrysik, an artist based on Longboat Key, FL)

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53 comments

  • Andrew Miller · March 6, 2015 at 9:05 am

    Agassi is probably the best post career analyst…so clear eyed. Just heard him talk davis cup.

  • Scoop Malinowski · March 6, 2015 at 9:09 am

    Agassi has done sporadic TV commentary but when he does he’s the best there is. He’s a tennis Obi Won Kenobi.

  • Scoop Malinowski · March 6, 2015 at 9:14 am

    Gaurang, I think Djokovic is capable of evolving his game as he gets older and new challenges present themselves. But as the number one player, he’s doing what he needs to do. If Djokovic becomes threatened, perhaps by Federer, he will adjust to it. Becker should be on the hot seat right now, to figure out a way to subdue Federer. Right now Fedberg are the biggest headache for Djokecker.

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