Djokovic held at 0-40 against Fedal in his last match against them

[Tony48]

In the ATP Cup singles final against Nadal, Djokovic went down 0*-40, 2*-3 in the second set. It wasn't exactly a do or die game since Djokovic might have broken back, but who knows how the match would have ended up. Djokovic came up with some extremely clutch play in that game, with some powerful winners and some great serving to finally hold.

The hold against Federer was much, much more important and crucial. Djokovic was serving at 0*-40, 1*-4. Had Federer broken, he would have had two opportunities to serve for the set, making his march to the final a lot trickier. Just like he did against Nadal, Djokovic managed to find some extremely good serves to get to deuce. But unlike Nadal, Federer did seem to have his chances in that game but Djokovic managed to be the one who held his nerves more.

Once again, Djokovic really has a knack for playing well on the biggest, most pressure-filled points against his greatest rivals on a very consistent basis.

 

[AnOctorokForDinner]

Easier to do when you know you're the better player in this match.

 

[CYGS]

.

 

[ChrisRF]

Easier to do when you know you're the better player in this match.

If he had lost the game he would have been in danger to lose on both occasions. Nadal could have run away with the 2nd set and Djokovic couldn’t be sure if Federer’s magic wouldn’t hold on for an hour or so, allowing him to win despite his physical problems.

But I agree, the circumstances made him the favourite both times, and people also shouldn’t act as if Djokovic would never have those situations in reverse. For example in the 2013 US Open final he missed his chances in the 3rd set against Nadal, or a few months earlier at RG the famous fall into the net when leading by a break in the 5th set.

 

[AnOctorokForDinner]

If he had lost the game he would have been in danger to lose on both occasions. Nadal could have run away with the 2nd set and Djokovic couldn’t be sure if Federer’s magic wouldn’t hold on for an hour or so, allowing him to win despite his physical problems.

But I agree, the circumstances made him the favourite both times, and people also shouldn’t act as if Djokovic would never have those situations in reverse. For example in the 2013 US Open final he missed his chances in the 3rd set against Nadal, or a few months earlier at RG the famous fall into the net when leading by a break in the 5th set.

Djokovic's basic superiority was far too big to lose unless he crumbled, so no worrying over temporary hiccups. Historically, outside of 2011/15, Djokovic hasn't had a pristine record in matches where he didn't feel superior.

 

[tennis_pro]

oh

 

[SonnyT]

If Federer plays his best at the biggest moments, he beats Djokovic at least 50% at GS matches.

 

[Djokodalerer31]

If Federer plays his best at the biggest moments, he beats Djokovic at least 50% at GS matches.

The problem is Federer is not playing at his best ever since 2010! Case closed...this is a too old tune to kick in, pal...move along...the peak Federer seems to be winning all these "hypothetical peak form threads against Djokovic on all surfaces", but on practice - we have what we have and there is no way of knowing otherwise! Just like we will never find out how many times Rod Laver would win against Sampras in a grand slam final, given they both played in the same era...just sayin'...

 

[Jonesy]

The difference in speed from atp cup to AO is visible, weren't they supposed to be the same speed?

 

[NoleFam]

The difference in speed from atp cup to AO is visible, weren't they supposed to be the same speed?

Those courts in ATP Cup played at the perfect speed. I know AO went to a different ball but conditions were much slower there, and the courts probably played a part as well.

 

[Subway Tennis]

Just call him Novak Sampras at this point.

His serve is a mixture of being extremely good generally, and also extremely clutch. He is going for a lot on that second serve, too. You can't relax or set up to attack if he misses his first ball because his second serve is an absurdly attacking shot.

The comeback from 0-40 against Nadal was particularly amazing because he was against a guy who is basically the worst case scenario of people to be down 0-40 against. Nadal is essentially "best in class" in return stats atm, and Novak still found a way.

 

[tennisaddict]

Easier to do when you know you're the better player in this match.

Succinctly put.

When we choose to forget the 6 year age advantage, everything looks impressive - Novak is super clutch, Fed will be mental midget, Novak can come back to win from anywhere, Fed can lose from anywhere, etc etc.

 

[Sport]

Ndal choked the return of the first break point. Djokovic hit a weak second serve and Nadal returned the favor by returning extremely weak instead of deep. As a consequence of that pathetic return, Djokovic took the initiative in the point. The other two break points were played perfectly by Djokovic though.

It is also important to note that not only Djokovic saved break points. Nadal saved two break points when he was 15-40 down in the second set and forced the tie-break.

 

[GabeT]

oh

This may be the best response ever at TTW. To the point, concise, and no factual errors.