ThrowbackTimes Monte Carlo: Roger Federer dethrones Novak Djokovic for all-Swiss..

Monte Carlo is one of the rare notable tournaments that Roger Federer doesn't have in his collection, losing in the final to Rafael Nadal in three straight years and missing his last chance in 2014. Six years after the last one against the Spaniard, Roger advanced to his fourth and final Monte Carlo title match following a rock-solid 7-5, 6-2 triumph over the defending champion Novak Djokovic in an hour and 15 minutes. In the quarter-final, Roger barely survived the Jo-Wilfried Tsonga test after missing the first 15 break chances, prevailing in three sets to set the 34th encounter against Novak Djokovic and producing the 18th victory against the Serb. Serving at 70%, Roger dropped 14 points in ten service games, fending off both break chances he played against and keeping the pressure on the other side of the court all the time. Djokovic couldn't match those numbers despite a brave effort in set number one, getting broken three times and failing to defend the title he claimed a year ago after beating an eight-time winner Rafael Nadal.

Nothing could separate them in the rallies with five strokes or more and it was Federer who dominated in the shortest exchanges up to four shots, hitting more winners and causing more forced mistakes from Djokovic to seal the deal in straight sets and forge the first all-Swiss Masters 1000 final against Stan Wawrinka. Both players made a strong start, serving well and keeping returners far from any chance for a break until game nine when Djokovic saved a break opportunity to stay in contention, earning two set points on the return in the next game!

Federer stayed calm and saved both with sharp attacks, bringing the game home with a service winner and gathering massive momentum that would carry him towards nine of the last 11 games! From 40-0 down in the next game, Roger won five straight points to secure a break, landing an ace in the 12th game for a 7-5 after 49 minutes. A perfect backhand winner earned a break for the Swiss in the third game of the second set, confirming the advantage with three winners in the next game and stealing Djokovic's serve again to move 4-1 in front. The Serb completely lost the energy (his right hand was heavily wrapped) and Federer completed a perfect day at the office with a service winner in game eight to reach his first Monte Carlo final in six years.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3b6ouAi