Australian Open 2020 Semi-finals: Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer 7-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Australian Open 2020 Semi-finals, Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic Highlights: Defending champion Novak Djokovic produced a clinical display as he secured a convincing 7-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Roger Federer in the semi-final of the Australian Open on Thursday.
It was a stiff competition between the duo, but too many unforced errors by the Swiss cost him the match. The first set kicked off with Federer dominating the proceedings, but the Serb soon fought his way back into the contest, forcing the set into tie-breaker after trailing 5-2.
After winning the first set 7-6, Djokovic maintained his dominance throughout the contest, as he went to win the other two sets rather comfortably.
This was the fourth time that the current World no 2, Djokovic, went on to beat Federer in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
A ruthless display by the defending champion Novak Djokovic as he beats Roger Federer 7-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the Australian Open semi-finals. It seemed like the Serb had saved it for the last as he hits two brilliant shots of the match right in the final game. This is the fourth time, Djokovic has beaten Federer in the final-four stage at the Australian Open.
Federer with the first two points, but Djokovic fights his way back making it 30-all. However, he fails to hold on to the momentum as the Swiss grabs next to points to reduce the deficit to 5-3. But it seems like it's too late and Djokovic will finish the contest in straight sets.
This is some incredible tennis by the World no 2 as he is giving Federer absolutely no chance in this set. This is the final opportunity for the Swiss to produce a fightback. Meanwhile, the current scoreline suggests a different scenario as Djokovic takes a firm 4-2 lead in the third set, which could also later prove to be the final set if his dominance over Federer continues.
A fully pumped up Djokovic fist bumps the air as he goes on to win the second set against Federer. A powerful forehand by Federer, which Djokovic manages to return but the Swiss slams it in the nets while trying to bounce it close. The next point is won by another delicate backhand drive by the Serb as he closes the second set on 6-4.
With all square on 4-4 in the second set, Federer starts off with the first point to go 15-0. However, Djokovic makes it 15-all with a powerful smash. And then goes on to win the next three points to win the game with ease. The Serb is leading 5-4 at the moment.
There is no end to this great contest as both the players try to gain the upper hand in the second set. What started off with Djokovic winning the first game with ease, then Federer bouncing back to make it 1-1 and has now turned into 3-2 with the Serbian in the lead. It is the unforced errors by Federer which is helping the defending champion shift the momentum in his favour.
This is the second match in a row where Federer has called for a medical timeout. Although he was moving freely in the first set, the groin injury, which he sustained in the quarter-final clash, seems to hurt him.
Djokovic produces some impeccable tennis at Rod Laver Arena as he goes on to win the first set. From 5-2 down the Serb pushes the set into tie-breaker and then dominates over the Swiss to win 7-1 in the breaker.
Djokovic serving with an attempt to take the first set into tie-breaker, which incidentally also was the way the first set between the pair was decided in the Wimbledon final. Djokovic had won that breaker 7-5 and he manages to set another one by holding Federer to 30, with a powerful serve that the Swiss could only prod into the net.
What a comeback! Incredible scenes at the Rod Laver Arena, as Federer kick-offs the match with an impressive lead, however, with minutes passing by it seems that Djokovic has finally got into his groove. The first set is now tied at 5-5. Around 30-15, Djokovic returns deep to Federer’s backhand, which sees him going 4-15 up. He then follows it up by winning this and the third game in a row.
(Image Source: Reuters)
After going down 0-30, Djokovic regains momentum and pushes forward to win the third game of the first set. 15-30, 30-all and then 40-30 but fails to take the fourth consecutive point. Then it's Deuce, Advantage Djokovic and the Serb finally closes this game.
Despite trailing 40-0, Djokovic somehow manages to win the game and what certainly looked like 5-1 deficit has suddenly turned into 4-2.
Djokovic is trailing but it's not been very easy for Federer too. After winning his first game of the match, the Serb produces another superb display, as he comes back from 40-15 to take it into deuce. He breaks Federer twice during the deuce, but finally the Swiss gets the better of his opponent in the third attempt and goes 3-1 up in the first set.
No break in the momentum as Federer goes 2-0 up in the first set. After going 30-15 up with a backhand flick, a precise return by the Swiss to go 40-15. He follows it up with a backhand to finally win the second game.
Six-enthralling minutes and Federer finally gets the better of Djokovic in the first game. After a series of 4 deuces and 2 breakpoints, Federer produces an ace and then a firm backhand to win the first game. This is just an indication of what kind of competition we will witness today.
This is the second time the Serb has walked into the court wearing the initials KB on his tracksuit, a mark of respect to his friend and mentor.
Both the players are warming-up at the Rod Laver Arena as we are moments away from the blockbuster semi-final clash.
Federer saved eight match points to advance to the semi-final, while Djokovic secured impressive 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(1) win in the quarter-final to book a final four berth.
Djokovic leads 26-23 over Federer in the one-on-one tussle, which also includes three semi-final wins at Melbourne Park in 2008, 2011 and 2016. However, Federer got better of the Serbian in their previous meeting and would look to repeat a similar story today.
Garbine Muguruza of Spain beat Romanian fourth seed Simona Halep 7-6(8) 7-5 to reach the final of the Australian Open. In Saturday's final, Muguruza will meet American 14th seed Sofia Kenin, who defeated top seed Ash Barty 7-6(7) 7-5 in the first semi-final on Thursday.
Hello and welcome to Australian Open 2020 men's singles semi-final clash between Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic. The two giants go up against each other for the 50th time. Who will win this clash?