Most epic Federer-Djokovic matches

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have played some breathtaking matchesSpanning over a period of 8 years and 36 nail-biting encounters, the Federer-Djokovic rivalry is considered as one of the most balanced and exciting rivalries of the contemporary era. With Federer just a wee bit ahead of Djokovic in the head-to-head department (19-17), it is easy to assume that both players are at parity with each other; and the one who wins on a given day is but a first among equals.Here is the list of 5 special matches between the dual in their historic 36-match rivalry. Duly note how the matchups are both close and exciting on all the 4 surfaces.

#1 US Open semi-final, 2011

Novak Djokovic ecstatic after his win over Roger Federer at the Flushing Meadows

Djokovic d. Federer 6-7 (9-7), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5

Most ardent Federer fans would swipe through this slide, knowing the slide recounts the heart-breaking loss of their hero.

Heart-breaking loss, precisely!

In the 5th set, serving for the championship at 5-4, and up 40-15, Federer failed to close it out. Djokovic registered one of the greatest Houdini-acts at the Grand Slam against one of the greatest ever. He then went on to win his 3rd Slam of the year.

#2 French Open semi-final, 2011

Roger Federer after cutting-off Djokovic’s 43-match winning streakCaption

Federer d. Djokovic 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5)

With so many matches between the two elite players, it is not hard to discern a funny pattern between them. If Novak loves to display his Houdini-acts against Roger, then Roger cherishes in snapping Novak’s long-run streaks.

One such streak was broken on the centre court of Rolland Garros. Djokovic came into the match with a remarkable unbeatable 43-match streak. But while he looked favorite to extend his run to 44, Federer came in the way.

Federer edged past in 4 thrilling sets (7-5, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6) to set Roland Garros final with another of his arch nemesis, Rafa Nadal.

#3 Wimbledon semifinal, 2012

Roger Federer after defeating Novak Djokovic in the semifinal clash of Wimbledon

Federer d. Djokovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3

Roger Federer was undoubtedly the underdog in this semifinal clash agaisnt Djokovic at the SW19. But as the match dreaded on, it felt like Federer was having his day on his most cherished court. Although the match wasn’t as tense as their other meetings, it manifested the rivalry in terms of its quality and game play.

Roger Federer made multiple forays at the net to unsettle the baseline game of Djokovic, while the Serb focused on pushing the ball towards the baseline and made Federer play as much as he could. This meeting was a new dawn in their matchups; and what we are seeing today is but an advanced version of their Wimbledon semifinal battle.

#4 AP World Tour Finals final, 2012

Novak Djokovic edged past Roger Federer in one of their closest and high stack encounters at the O2 London

Djokovic d. Federer 7-6 (8-6), 7-5

If there is one match that can symbolize this rivalry, it would have to be the finals of the season-finale tournament in 2012. Although it went in straights for Djokovic, it was far from being one-way traffic.

On the contrary, it could easily have been Federer on the winning side of this encounter. He was break up in both the sets and had 2 set points in the second set. But Djokovic managed to turn the tables just at the right moment to win his 2nd World Tour Finals by defeating the Swiss 7-6, 7-5.

Like almost all of their matches, they both deserved to win. It was ultimately the question of who was the first among equals

#5 Wimbledon final, 2014

Djokovic trumping over Federer in one of the classic 5-setter final at the Wimbledon

Djokovic d. Federer 6-7 (9-7), 6-4, 7-6 (6-4), 5-7, 6-4

It was the match of the year without a second thought, and also their best ever. What gave this match a special touch other than a Wimbledon trophy to fight for, was the amount of stacks for both players.

Federer was at his “backyard” to achieve his elusive 18th Slam and it was considered his last best shot for the Slam glory. Djokovic, on the other hand, came as a player with wounded spirits after his 3 consecutive losses in Grand Slam finals, his most recent at the Roland Garros.

The match began with Federer taking the first set. But then Djokovic improved his serve and returned well to win the next two sets. Djokovic then inched closer to victory as he broke Federer in the middle of the 4th set. Serving for the Championship at 5-2 in the 4th, Federer brought back his “A” game to break Djokovic to 30. And after restoring the order at 5-5, Federer broke Djokovic again to take the lead. A game later, Federer sealed the 4th set to take the match into the decider.

The 5th set was for anyone’s taking, as both players got opportunity to break. However, it was Federer who blinked first while serving to stay in the match. Djokovic, after 3 unsucceful run at the Grand Slam finals, could heal his wounded spirits now.