Djokovic vs Federer.
In modern tennis, there’s barely a bigger matchup.
With the exception perhaps of Rafael Nadal, the rivalry between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic has proven to be one of the most spectacular the game is ever likely to see.
The two all-time greats of the sport met on Centre Court once again to decide this year’s US Open men’s title – the 42nd meeting of the pair throughout the course of their professional careers.
And on this occasion, it was Djokovic who emerged victorious to claim his elusive second US Open crown – perhaps fittingly evening the career ledger at 21 games a piece in the process.
The top two seeds of the tournament put on an absolutely classic display of world class tennis – each others weaknesses hidden by equal strengths.
Federer served like a man possessed, hammering home 11 aces for the game, and winning his first serve points at a staggering rate of 71%.
But his unforced errors proved his undoing, with 54 missteps counteracting his otherwise powerful game.
Conversely, Djokovic struggled to get past Federer off his own accord, slotting 35 winners to his rival’s 56. But his game was far cleaner, refusing to give an inch, and instead pouncing on the multiple errors made by Federer.
And that, ultimately, was enough to seal the deal.
Djokovic took the game, and the tournament, in a four-set battle for the ages. 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in just over three hours.
One of sports greatest ever rivalries just had a chapter added to it to rival the best of them.
Photo: Alex Goodlett via Getty Images.
