ATP Australian Open: Novak Djokovic downs Roger Federer to stay on title course

Novak Djokovic was the clear favorite to seal the deal against Roger Federer in the third set after taking the opening two, serving well and breaking the Swiss once to secure the 27th victory over a great rival and set the final clash against Dominic Thiem or Alexander Zverev. Djokovic closed the opening game with the ninth straight service game without giving any chance to Federer who grabbed the second game for a positive start as well. Thundering from both wings, the Serb secured another advantage with a perfectly tailored serve, not having to play against break chances since the sixth game of the opening set that was one of the turning points of the entire encounter.

Ready to fight until the end, Roger blasted some strong serves to pass the fourth game without any troubles, leveling the score at 2-2 and hoping for at least some chance on the return. Instead of that, Djokovic secured another ace to gain a 3-2 lead, defending both the first and the second serve nicely to keep Roger miles away from break chances. Roger netted a backhand in the next game to waste a game point, facing another deuce and then a break chance when Novak forced an error from him. The Serb landed a forehand crosscourt winner right down to the line, taking a 4-2 lead and moving closer to the finish line with two sets and a break up.

Federer opened the next game with a forehand winner, seizing the second point with a volley winner for a much-needed chance on the return. Still, he squandered his opportunities, allowing Novak to bring the game home with a perfect backhand down the line that pushed the defending champion a game away from the eighth Australian Open final. Serving for staying in the match, Federer held at 30 to reduce the deficit to 5-3 before Djokovic held in the next game to deliver the 27th victory over Roger.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/36D9EyZ