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2011 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer preview
It is down to the semi-final folks and the tension is sky high. 2008 Australian Open Champion, Novak “Nole” Djokovic makes his way into his second Australian Open semi-final for a rematch of the 2008 semi-final right here where he defeated Swiss maestro, Roger Federer, en route to the title win.
Three years later, it seems history is going to repeat itself and for Djokovic fans out there this is a great sign.
Starting the year at the Hopman Cup with partner, Ana Ivanovic, Djokovic won all his three rubbers to ensure Serbia’s appearance at the finals, however, following an injury Ivanovic had to retire and Serbia pulled out of the finals.
Dejected over the withdrawal, Djokovic made his way to the Australian Open, putting in his seventh appearance at the event. Although the Serb enjoyed a successful final run in 2008, he hasn’t been able to make it past the quarterfinal round for the past two years. His last exit from the event followed his defeat to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
However, coming to Melbourne Park, Djokovic looks to recapture his title. Dropping only one set in his run so far, Djokovic makes it to semis losing only thirty-six games in fourteen sets.
Nole started his 2011 run at Melbourne Park playing Marcel Granollers. Dismissing the Spaniard in a 6-3 win sandwiched between two breadstick victories, Djokovic next played Ivan Dodig.
Playing Dodig, Djokovic lost the only set in his run so far. After a long four set win, Djokovic met compatriot, Viktor Troicki in the next round. Troicki pulled out of the event due to stomach illness giving Djokovic a walkover in the next round.
Improving on each step, Djokovic was able to defeat Nicolas Almagro in the fourth round wrapping up a 6-3, 6-4 lead with a bagel set win. Djokovic’s quarterfinal opponent was Tomas Berdych.
Sandwiching a 7-5 tiebreaker win between two 6-1 victories, Nole was able to secure a berth for himself in the final four.
Meeting Djokovic in the semis is the four time champion, Federer. A long standing rivalry between the two will be re-ignited when they meet for the twentieth time in five years.
Having played mostly on hard courts, Federer currently leads the head-to-head score 13-6. However, the last time the pair met in a Grand Slam match was in the semi-final match of the 2010 United States Open when Djokovic defeated Federer in a five set win.
Their last Australian Open meeting had come in 2008 where again Djokovic had been victorious.
Commenting on his matchup with Federer, Djokovic said, "I have nothing to lose playing Federer, who's the title defender here. We all know everything about him. I have to believe in myself in order to win that match. I feel like I'm starting to play my best tennis in last five, six months. I have more experience on the court. Physically I'm fit. I'm hitting the ball better and I have more variety in the game. We're rivals, but we have big respect for each other. I've won against him on different occasions, mostly on hard courts, so this is a chance for me".
However, the former world number one cannot be dismissed so easily. Though some may call him a washed up champion, Federer came into his twelfth Australian Open, fresh from a title win at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open.
Moving past Lukas Lacko and Xavier Malisse in straight sets, past Gilles Simon in a grueling five setter and Tommy Robredo in four sets, Federer met compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka in the quarters. Dismissing his countryman in straight sets, Federer setup a semis clash with Nole.
Looking to win his fifth title at the event, Federer looks to beat Andre Agassi’s record of holding the most Australian Open titles. Federer equalled Agassi’s record last year when he defeated Andy Murray to clinch his fourth title at Melbourne Park.
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