Djokovic Defeats Federer in Epic US Open Final

World no. 1 Novak Djokovic defeated world no. 2 Roger Federer in 4 sets 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4 to take his second US Open major title and his tenth major title overall. The three hour and 20 minute match kept the stadium and the world on it’s toes as both players had to go up against more than just their opponent on the other side of the net. Here’s what happened in this epic US Open final.

 

The Three Hour Rain Relay

Nature played its own role, causing a 3 hour rain delay, the first obstacle for the two players to overcome. Scheduled to play at 4pm ET, Djokovic and Federer didn’t step out onto the court until after 7pm. Unable to stick to their pre-match rituals, both players began the match a little shaky. This was especially so for Federer who hit only 51% of his first serves into the court and won only 31% of his receiving points. Federer, who had yet to be broken the entire tournament, was broken twice in the first set against Djokovic.

 

The Nasty Spill

Federer was granted a bit of a reprieve during the first set, even in light of his dismal serving and returning statistics. Djokovic broke Federer early in the first set, but lost momentum when a nasty spill scraped up his arm and shattered his focus for a few games. The next two games quickly went Federer’s way, and the two of them found themselves back on serve at in the first set.

Djokovic did not let the fall hold him back for too long. He regained his focus and took the break again at 4-3 in the first set. He consolidated this break and ultimately took the first set 6-4.

 

The crowd and Eva

The crowd in Arthur Ashe made it very clear who they were supporting. Federer was feeling the love. While Djokovic is used to the lack of support directed toward him, especially while playing a favorite such as Federer, the crowd last night stepped over the line not once but multiple times when they would cheer after Djokovic would miss his first serves. Djokovic found himself competing against Federer and the crowd the entire match. The chair umpire, Eva Asderaki-Moore, the first female chair umpire ever to call a men’s major final, had her hands full, correctly over-ruling multiple balls throughout the match as well as doing all she could to quell the stands when they behaved inappropriately. In the words of Fat Amy, it is safe to say this woman “crushed it.”

 

Only 4/23

Federer did a great job putting Djokovic on the defensive. After the first set, he found his rhythm on his serve, he started moving forward more and more, and he effectively used the SABR.

He was doing all of the right things, except when it mattered the most. Federer had a grand total of twenty-three breakpoints, and yet he could only convert four of them. It seemed like he put himself in a position to get ahead pretty much every game only to blow it. We have to give a lot of credit to the man standing on the other side of the net, who came up with big serves and incredible defense on most of those break opportunities. It did not help though, when Federer’s trusty forehand proved to be not so trusty. He gave away many of those breakpoints on loose shots long and wide.

 

A Second Wind

Djokovic got the double break in the fourth set for a 5-2 lead and the chance to serve it out then and there. We all expected the match to be over, but Federer reminded us why he is one of the greatest of all time. He picked up his game and finally converted one of his breakpoints. He stays in the match for a little bit longer, but the two breaks proved to be too much of a hole to dig himself out of. Djokovic served at 5-4 and again found himself down double breakpoint. Federer saw another chance to even out the fourth set and make this an even more epic match than it already was, but alas it was not meant to be. Djokovic came up with two incredible serves to save the breakpoints, and he ultimately took the set, the match, and the major title in the first deuce. 

 

Only Gracious Words
Throughout the entire thing, both men were the epitome of class. In the face of all of the adversity, they let their tennis speak for itself. They They gave the crowd yet another incredible performance, and only spoke highly of their opponent.

• “I accept the fact. Everybody has a choice to support a player that they want to support. And he absolutely deserves to have the support he does because of all the years and success that he has had and the way he carries himself on and off the court. Me, I’m there to earn the support, and hopefully in the future I can be in that position.” – Djokovic
• “Congratulations Novak, another great win. The whole American trip has been fantastic. Being back in the finals is where you want to be… I love the sport. I have a lot of passion. Last thing, I’ll see you guys next year.” – Federer

What a match.

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