2020 Australian Open SF: Novak Djokovic [2] vs Roger Federer [3]

[Otacon]

The perfect scoreline for Fed would be 7-6 7-6 7-6

 

[I Am Finnish]

But if Stan and Djokovic had been slated to play in a Slam, Nadal fans would jump on the Stan-wagon as well for that 1 night. So that Nadal could avoid Djokovic.

@TheGhostOfAgassi likes Djokovic and dislike Wawrinka(Not sure about that)

 

[Otacon]

As long as it's not as bad as AO16, I'll be happy. If Fed picks up a set, great. Hopefully Novak can save the phoniness for other interviews.

He won a set actually.

 

[tudwell]

Going by Fed's progress he'll beat Djoker in 3 or less

2019	Nitto ATP Finals Great Britain	Indoor Hard	RR	Roger Federer	64 63
2019	Wimbledon Great Britain	Outdoor Grass	F	Novak Djokovic	765 16 764 46 1312
2018	ATP Masters 1000 Paris France	Indoor Hard	SF	Novak Djokovic	766 57 763
2018	ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati OH, U.S.A.	Outdoor Hard	F	Novak Djokovic	64 64

Stats don't lie. Fed got this in the bag.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

@TheGhostOfAgassi likes Djokovic and dislike Wawrinka(Not sure about that)

I wouldn’t watch Wawrinka if I didn’t have to (playing a player I like). I’m not that big fan of Novak’s game, not in any matchup either. So it’s not like I’m tuning in for every match of his. Even Federer Novak in Wimbledon final is a boring final for me. Seen it before. Literally fallen asleep watching it. Their rivalry and everything isn’t enough to excite when seen it 20 times before over and over. Novak gets the ball back, Novak gets the ball back. But I like him a lot as a person and I feel more similar to him than maybe any player on tour. Allthough my husband say I am more like Federer and look like the female version of Tsitsipas

 

[I Am Finnish]

I had a dream of how the match will transpire – it will be 40–15 all over again.

It's dark in the Rod Laver Arena now. The great Laver himself has seemingly fallen asleep in the stands but is abruptly awoken by the elbow of his companion. Can't snooze now, history is about to be made. Federer steps out to serve. This is his chance, it is do or die. The crowd is drunk with that fleeting sense of inevitability.

He sends down a first serve; Djokovic returns it deep, and Federer sends a forehand long. He's feeling the pressure, Rog.

0–15.

Federer misses a first serve. He's nervous now, somebody disrupts him in the crowd, mom's spaghetti. Second serve. A rally ensues, Djokovic is trying to pin down Fed in his backhand corner. But the wily old Swiss eventually manages to run around it and hit a couple of pressuring forehands. Novak sends a scrambling forehand wide of the sideline.

15–15. Mirka folds her hand in front of her slumped head and closed eyes. Her nerves are worn thin from this tiresome drama. Why do I always come to these matches? I could be shopping for garish Gucci garments.

Federer slams an ace down the tee, the Serbian isn't able to even make a reach for it.

30–15. The cute girls with Swiss-flag-painted cheeks are positively beaming now -- they are starting to believe.

A determined Maestro swipes another bullet down the middle, right on the intersection of the service lines, and Novak can only stumble after the ball.

40–15. The arena is buzzing. Some white-clad middle-aged blonde lady is waving her index finger triumphantly. It's really happening. Federer is going to get his chance at rectifying history.

Another big serve. But it just clips the top of the net and bounces barely back inside Fed's service box. Fate is a harsh mistress.

Federer sends a second serve into Novak's forehand corner, trying to catch him by surprise at this crucial juncture. But the yogi guru is in tune with his senses, anticipates it, and sends a deep forehand return toward Fed's feet. Under the weight of the pressure, Roger takes some cramped steps to his left, trying to get there in time to hit the winning inside out forehand into the Serb's empty backhand corner. But he's a step too late, the shot is too difficult, the ball sails just wide.

40–30. It's OK, still ahead.

He finds the first serve now, but it's too far from any line, Nole gets his stringbed on it with ease and safely blocks it back over the net. Ball's in your court now, Rog, whatcha gonna do? The Swiss Baghdatis-conquering genius once more runs around the backhand, fires out a forehand approach shot whose lacking length would make his friend and underling Roddick sentimental, and he storms the net like a bison headed for the water hole. Novak hits a pinpoint-accurate forehand cross that sails past his rival like a ship of broken dreams.

Deuce.

He's annoyed now, the great one. It was supposed to be over by now. I should be making dad jokes with Mac or Courier now. He fires of his trademark wide serve, but it just misses the line. Gotta go safe on the second serve. A rally ensues, but his rival is inspired now, slowly wrestling away the initiative of the rally, finally unleashing a hard inside-in forehand that Federer can only dump low in the net.

Ad. Djokovic.

Ring the alarm bells. Send in the clowns. There's a frown on his face now, something close to a shrug of resignation. This, again? "I really should be skiing in the Swiss Alps, not swimming around in this sticky mud." But he finds a first serve, although once more not the usual surgical accuracy. Novak once more sends a mean forehand cross-court, forcing the old man to run, something he must admit he doesn't much enjoy doing anymore, not that he ever truly did. But it doesn't matter, none of it matters, he's not going to have to run anymore now -- the forehand plunges anticlimactically into the middle of the net. Something like a whimper, except much louder, runs through the crowd in Rod Laver Arena.

6–2, 6–2, 6–1 Djokovic.

Brilliant I do expect some 40-15's

 

[Ray Mercer]

This match is going to be ugly. I will record it and check the results in the morning to see if it’s worth watching. Federer cannot hit through this court, has been serving terrible and has looked terrible throughout. Djokovic will play steady and Federer will be shanking and coughing up short balls on his backhand all night long. It will be a shocker if Federer even gets a set. I’m thinking he wins 8 games.

 

[Unaatennista]

Getting up at 3:30 am to watch this live. I believe in the old fraud.

 

[tennisenthusiast]

We know for sure that Roger will lose this match but how many games/sets will he win?

 

[Nostradamus]

is this match worth staying up for ?? is roger 100 % ?

 

[Cortana]

Luckily I'm in Thailand right now, so can easily watch it

 

[Mike Sams]

I wouldn’t watch Wawrinka if I didn’t have to (playing a player I like). I’m not that big fan of Novak’s game, not in any matchup either. So it’s not like I’m tuning in for every match of his. Even Federer Novak in Wimbledon final is a boring final for me. Seen it before. Literally fallen asleep watching it. Their rivalry and everything isn’t enough to excite when seen it 20 times before over and over. Novak gets the ball back, Novak gets the ball back. But I like him a lot as a person and I feel more similar to him than maybe any player on tour. Allthough my husband say I am more like Federer and look like the female version of Tsitsipas

What do you think of "Fabulous" Fernando Verdasco and "Dashing" Fabio Fognini?

 

[Djokodal Fan]

Djokovic at the max in 4 vs the fresherer. Obviously you never know what kind fresherer will show up. I'm still amazed at his level of play at this age.

 

[MeatTornado]

Getting anxious now. Just want to get this over with.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

What do you think of "Fabulous" Fernando Verdasco and "Dashing" Fabio Fognini?

Verdasco. Long time fan

 

[rhoder]

I wouldn’t watch Wawrinka if I didn’t have to (playing a player I like). I’m not that big fan of Novak’s game, not in any matchup either. So it’s not like I’m tuning in for every match of his. Even Federer Novak in Wimbledon final is a boring final for me. Seen it before. Literally fallen asleep watching it. Their rivalry and everything isn’t enough to excite when seen it 20 times before over and over. Novak gets the ball back, Novak gets the ball back. But I like him a lot as a person and I feel more similar to him than maybe any player on tour. Allthough my husband say I am more like Federer and look like the female version of Tsitsipas

I wonder if more people feel like this? I’m the same, I find Novak’s playstyle personally boring although I awe at his elasticity. But as a person I like him more than the other Big 3, he just feels more genuine than the others who have what I feel a PR manufactured image (which is by no means an insult, because plenty of famous sportspersons are like this too). There’s no question to me though that Federer and Nadal have way more exciting playstyles.

 

[yokied]

Fed picked up a set in 2016. In fact, since 2008, 2016 has been the best scoreline from Fed against Djokovic at the AO lol.

He won a set actually.

True. Anyone who watched the match, however, saw how badly Fed got spanked in the other 3. Others in their 50 I might forget but the sheer cringe of that match will always stick in my memory. That was when I decreed that Fed was done, and in terms of peak levels, he has been done. But the levels of others have dropped or varied greatly too. Novak donated one out of pity and respeck.

@Meles you see Stan-Zed and Tim-Nads? True they won but Stan just impaled himself after the first and the Nadal is heavily declined, especially on the FH.

The overall level has dropped, massively. These guys are being allowed in. They're not busting through. Fraudovak gonna save tennis in the final.

 

[Jokervich]

This match will be easier for Djokovic than the final. I'm a little bit worried if he has to face Thiem in the final. Thiem might actually win the whole thing.

 

[Midaso240]

From what I've seen,it will be a small miracle if Federer can win a set. 7-6,6-4,6-2 Djokovic would be my guess

 

[Deleted member 744633]

Mike Sams is on fire today lol. Where the hell is @Sunny Ali? He is the only one who.can calm him down when he blasts through with machetes in both hands!

LOL Sword! @Mike Sams is one of the few Federer fans I enjoy sparring with ... never bitter and always a good sport!

Back to your point, fully agreed ... @Mike Sams is like a fully loaded container ship at top speed today ... forget stopping it, the best we can do is not get swept up in it's wake!

 

[icedevil0289]

i just pray fed isnt humiliated.

 

[Nostradamus]

i just pray fed isnt humiliated.

please Roger win this one and this ONE more major. Most like this will be Fed's last year in the tour, he needs one more major before he retires.

 

[Service Ace]

Take a shot every time Fed gets to 40-15 on his serve.

 

[Mike Sams]

I wonder if more people feel like this? I’m the same, I find Novak’s playstyle personally boring although I awe at his elasticity. But as a person I like him more than the other Big 3, he just feels more genuine than the others who have what I feel a PR manufactured image (which is by no means an insult, because plenty of famous sportspersons are like this too). There’s no question to me though that Federer and Nadal have way more exciting playstyles.

Does he really? He seems like he's putting on an act and has some weird obsession with wanting to be loved and adored. He's like the Larry Holmes of tennis. Probably one of the greatest who ever lived but nobody really gave a sh*t about because he was boring as hell as a personality.

 

[Mike Sams]

This match will be easier for Djokovic than the final. I'm a little bit worried if he has to face Thiem in the final. Thiem might actually win the whole thing.

Djokovic has lost his last 2 matches against Thiem. Theim could be the new Stanimal. Djokovic can't really deal with the upper level of Stan. Thiem can deliver the big blows and has the endurance to keep it up for the full 5.

 

[skypadq]

why the hell fed will go media room ?
please roger ... please ...
if fed chose walkover ... just hand to novak djokovic to win 17 major and 8 AO title
please ...

 

[Cortana]

Hmmm, well that sounds bad?

 

[chjtennis]

why the hell fed will go media room ?
please roger ... please ...
if fed chose walkover ... just hand to novak djokovic to win 17 major and 8 AO title
please ...

Looks like the organizers have certain sense of humor.

 

[Cortana]

Maybe Federer will practice his post-match interview?

 

[icedevil0289]

If he withdraws that has to b pretty significant, idt he ever withdrew from a slam and b4 anyone says hes scared of novak, the man has faced him in all scenarios.

 

[ForehandCross]

why the hell fed will go media room ?
please roger ... please ...
if fed chose walkover ... just hand to novak djokovic to win 17 major and 8 AO title
please ...

Anyone with any extra info please let me know at earliest if Federer will retire

I cancelled a mid level important arrangement for this match.

 

[Third Serve]

Anyone with any extra info please let me know at earliest if Federer will retire

I cancelled a mid level important arrangement for this match.

I highly doubt he'll retire. He's never done it before.

A withdrawal is more likely, but even more likely is Federer actually playing.

 

[alien in the alps]

I highly doubt he'll retire. He's never done it before.

A withdrawal is more likely, but even more likely is Federer actually playing.

Not after that media room schedule...

 

[SQA333]

Roger Federer will announce his withdrawal at 4.15pm local time.

Announcement to be made on which match gets the prime time RLA slot.

 

[skypadq]

I highly doubt he'll retire. He's never done it before.

A withdrawal is more likely, but even more likely is Federer actually playing.

then why the hell fed chose go to media room ?
please fed ... two match away 21 major
pelase ....

 

[racquetreligion]

Djoko might have a lapse but should be done with enough time to read a book to his children through Skype
Full 12 hour sleep, feed the ducks at Royal Botanic Garndens then the Penquins at Phillip Island, take the Puffing Billy
steam train in the Dandenongs, some surfing at Bells Beach then keep under the speed limit on the way back on the
GOR in a rented smart car like he has back home.

Fed can do all this after he loses as well, so all is fair. He might even have more time if he defaults then he can
go to Fed Square on the way to the Museum to check out some relics and fossils that could make him feel young again.

 

[Third Serve]

then why the hell fed chose go to media room ?
please fed ... two match away 21 major
pelase ....

Good question.

 

[icedevil0289]

then why the hell fed chose go to media room ?
please fed ... two match away 21 major
pelase ....

feds year just started and he has already played a great deal just this tournament and probably doesnt want to aggravate whatever he has, which will be the case if he plays a marathon against nole.

 

[romeo8880]

Roger Federer will announce his withdrawal at 4.15pm local time.

Announcement to be made on which match gets the prime time RLA slot.

Nadal will play

 

[skypadq]

if if if fed chose walkover ...
i am really dispointment ...
this is fed 's last one of the two shot at major
please fed ... cancel the media room plan fed ... i begging you ...

 

[alien in the alps]

"Simon Häring

@_shaering

It's odd but no need to worry, obviously. Federer is set to warm-up in ahead of his Semi-Final against Novak Djokovic. #AusOpen

Explanation from Tennis Australia: «It’s the escorted practise session. It means meet in the media work room.»"
No idea if this is credible or not.

 

[skypadq]

"Simon Häring
@_shaering

It's odd but no need to worry, obviously. Federer is set to warm-up in ahead of his Semi-Final against Novak Djokovic. #AusOpen
Explanation from Tennis Australia: «It’s the escorted practise session. It means meet in the media work room.»"
No idea if this is credible or not.

pelase true ... please true ... please true...

 

[ForehandCross]

I highly doubt he'll retire. He's never done it before.

A withdrawal is more likely, but even more likely is Federer actually playing.

Sorry I meant a withdrawal .

 

[alien in the alps]

 

[racquetreligion]

If he withdraws that has to b pretty significant, idt he ever withdrew from a slam and b4 anyone says hes scared of novak, the man has faced him in all scenarios.

All scenarios? not a Slam but he walked out of the London Final after beating Stan in the semis

 

[llodra_fan]

All scenarios? not a Slam but he walked out of the London Final after beating Stan in the semis

Wasn't that because of the dispute between Mirka and Wawrinka ? If I remember, Federer had a lengthy discussion with Stan in the locker room after the match about what happened during and later withdrew.

 

[racquetreligion]

Yes basically the other halve was Mirking out to put off Stan quite often even when he was about to serve
"cry baby" "you are just a cry baby" and more according to Stan but out of respect for Feds friendship
he didnt expose what a disgusting individual she really is to the world. Maybe Stan said you won because
of her putting me off etc etc. Quite fair too considering how good Stan was playing at that event.
Stan could have won it and could have also threatened Fed to say the other things she said to the media.

Either way Fed defaulted and we can only speculate what happened in the change rooms.
Sure Fed has an ugly scary face when angry but Stan is scarier in the physical department if provoked.

 

[fundrazer]

I have to steal this from r/tennis. Made me lol

 

[swordtennis]

LOL Sword! @Mike Sams is one of the few Federer fans I enjoy sparring with ... never bitter and always a good sport!

Back to your point, fully agreed ... @Mike Sams is like a fully loaded container ship at top speed today ... forget stopping it, the best we can do is not get swept up in it's wake!

LMAO!!! AGREED.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Fed confirmed that he will play tonight, as expected.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1222749786488467457