Roger Federer scores first win over Novak Djokovic in 18 months
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Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were the dominant figures in Dubai between 2003 and 2013. The famous duo left all the rivals behind and claimed nine titles in 11 editions. Federer grabbed his first Dubai title in 2003 and had the upper hand in the upcoming years before losing to Rafael Nadal in the 2006 final.
Novak Djokovic started his reign in 2009 and won three consecutive titles. The Serb conquered four trophies in five years and failed to extend the streak when Federer stole the crown in 2012. Two years later, two great rivals set another Dubai encounter on February 28.
Federer prevailed 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in an hour and 46 minutes to dethrone Novak and advance into the eighth final in the last ten trips to Dubai! The Swiss toppled the Serb at Wimbledon and Cincinnati in 2012 before Djokovic started to dominate their rivalry.
Novak scored three straight wins and had not lost to Roger for 18 months before this Dubai clash.
Roger Federer bested Novak Djokovic in the 2014 Dubai semi-final.
Federer had more winners and fewer unforced errors, creating a small gap in the shortest and more extended exchanges to cross the finish line first and dethrone Djokovic.
Roger dropped 24 points in 13 service games and fended off five out of six break chances. The more experienced player seized three breaks from seven opportunities, enough to keep him safe. Novak was off to a strong start, holding at 15 in the first game and forcing Roger’s backhand mistake to secure an early break and open a 2-0 lead.
The Serb held at love in the third game to confirm the advantage before fending off a break chance in game five and closing it with a forehand winner that sent him 4-1 up. Djokovic served for the set at 5-3 and survived two deuces to wrap it up in 35 minutes.
They reached 2-2 in set number two in no time before Federer faced a break point in game five. He erased it with a beautiful backhand down the line winner and gained momentum. In the next game, the Swiss landed another impressive backhand down the line to secure a break and move 4-2 in front.
Playing in fully attacking mode, Roger clinched the set with a quick hold at love in game nine thanks to an ace down the T line, becoming the favorite ahead of the decider. Losing ground in those moments, Djokovic opened the third set with a double fault that gave Federer an instant break.
The Swiss repelled two break chances in the next game to cement the break and took a big step toward triumph after a booming backhand winner. Returning at 3-1, Roger placed another brilliant forehand crosscourt winner to put one hand on the trophy.
He held at 15 in the next game and served for a place in the final at 5-2. Novak made one last push to create two break chances, eager to extend the battle. However, Roger stayed calm and grabbed four points in a row to seal the deal and set the title clash versus Tomas Berdych.
Read More: Roger Federer scores first win over Novak Djokovic in 18 months 2023-03-03 01:49:13