Final before final: Toe-to-toe until the last shot

Paris, November 4

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Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer for the 25th time in his great career, winning two sets by tiebreak to prevail 7-6 (8-6) 5-7 7-6 (7-3) against his Swiss rival. The Serb extended his unbeaten run to 22 matches ahead of his return to world No. 1 this coming Monday. The fans at the arena, those watching the match on TV and the experts talked about the high quality of the tennis served by the two greats, and Djokovic agreed that it was a top-class match. 

“We had epic matches throughout our rivalry but this one definitely ranks as one of the best matches we played,” said Djokovic. “High quality tennis.” 

“He would be deserving if he won the match as well... It was the most spectacular match I was part of this year, and definitely one of the best I’ve played against him in my career,” he added. “Next to the match I played against (Rafael) Nadal in the semis of Wimbledon, this was definitely the most exciting match I was playing this year, and probably the best quality tennis match that I was part of.”

No breaks

“It was also expected, because when I get to play Roger, I know I have to get the best out of myself in order to win. And that’s why our rivalries and matches are so special,” continued Djokovic.

Djokovic had several break points against Federer’s serve, but he couldn’t convert a single one. “The quality of his serve tonight was quite amazing, to be honest,” said Djokovic. “His serve was always his weapon. But, you know, tonight he was just hitting the spots beautifully. He was mixing it up.”

Happy, overall

Federer, who has not beaten Djokovic after 2015, heaped praise on him. “Novak is obviously on a roll. You can feel it. At the end it came down to a few things here and there,” said Federer, who was chasing his 100th career title. “But overall I’m happy with my game. It’s better than last week in Basel. There I won the tournament and here I played in the semis and it needed somebody of Novak’s calibre to beat me. So that’s all right. And I’m looking forward to a rest now and a good preparation for London (ATP Finals).” 

Epic rivalry
Federer-Djokovic head-to-head

4 Consecutive wins for Novak Djokovic against Roger Federer, his best streak against the Swiss. Djokovic beat Federer in the Cincinnati Masters final earlier this year. Federer’s best streak against Djokovic also lasted four wins, at the start of their rivalry

5-3 In 2015 is Djokovic’s best year in terms of most wins against Federer. The two clashed eight times that year, including finals at Wimbledon and US Open, both won by Djokovic

2015 Was the last year in which Federer beat Djokovic, 7-5 6-2 in the round-robin stage of the ATP Tour Finals in London. Djokovic won their next clash in the same event, in the final

2012 Was the last year when Federer beat Djokovic in two consecutive matches, at Wimbledon and Cincinnati Masters

Epic match

3 Hours and 2 minutes was the duration of the match — the longest-ever three-set duel between Djokovic and Federer

— Agencies