Novak Djokovic v Roger Federer
French Open, Roland Garros – Semi-final
Start 14:45, Eurosport
HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Last ten only)
2011 (ATP World Tour Masters Indian Wells) Djokovic bt Federer 6-3, 3-6, 6-2
2011 (Dubai) Djokovic bt Federer 6-3, 6-3
2011 (Australian Open) Djokovic bt Federer 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-4
2010 (Barclays ATP World Tour) Federer bt Djokovic 6-1, 6-4
2010 (Basel) Federer bt Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
2010 (ATP World Tour Masters Shanghai) Federer bt Djokovic 7-5, 6-4
2010 (US Open) Djokovic bt Federer 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5
2010 (ATP World Tour Masters Canada) Federer bt Djokovic 6-1, 3-6, 7-5
2009 (Basel) Djokovic bt Federer 6-4, 4-6, 6-2
2009 (US Open) Federer bt Djokovic 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-5
PREVIEW
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic meet for the first time at Roland Garros later today for a match that promises to be an absolute belter. The Serb’s 40-match unbeaten run will come under serious threat as Federer is close to returning to his best form.
Although Federer is yet to drop a set on route to the semis, the world number two will be the fresher of the pair after Fabio Fognini pulled out of Djokovic’s quarter-final due to injury. Interestingly, the Swiss maestro is the only player to reach the final four without dropping a set.
The head-to-head record between the players stands at 13-9 in Federer’s favour, although Djokovic has won the past three meetings. Punters looking to back Federer at around 3.6 on the ‘Daq’ might well argue that Djokovic’s past three victories have been on the hard court.
Djokovic has been unstoppable in 2011 and he has already defeated the Swiss in all occasions which he has played this year. Federer is playing well enough to test his opponent, but I cannot see him getting more than a set today.
RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back Djokovic to win 3-1 at around 3.8: 5 points
