This couldn't be more proof of Federer's mental block v Djokovic...

[SublimeTennis]

I was looking back at their matches for 2015, and Federer has squandered at least over 65% of his break point chances against Djokovic...

Indian Wells - second set, 0-1 0-40, doesn't break, next game Djokovic breaks.
Rome - first set, 4-4 AD Fed, doesn't break, next game Djokovic breaks.
Wimbledon - third set, 1-1 30-40, doesn't break, next game Djokovic breaks.
US Open, third set, 3-4 AD (twice), doesn't break, next game Djokovic breaks.

Now please don't tell me I'm looking too deep because it is clear as daylight that Federer has developed the most ridiculous mental block against Djokovic. To lose all the break points AND THEN get broken the next game four times in four big finals is not a coincidence. Especially Rome and the US Open - those were to serve for the set. But I don't know whether Djokovic actually saves them most of the time, or Federer becomes passive and loses it. I think weirdly enough it's because he respects him waaay too much. It's like this with Nadal. Back when he saw Djokovic as this pretender, more times than not, he'll face up to him. But now it's like ''yeah Novak is so good'' and he has this mindset going into the match and during the rally.

Dare I say but Federer needs to be a bit more arrogant.

You are SO CORRECT! You can look at those stats, or just his facial muscles, tight and nervous. Or ask the question, "Why was he aggressive all tournaments, blow people away, then stay back in the final"

 

[Gary Duane]

I was looking back at their matches for 2015, and Federer has squandered at least over 65% of his break point chances against Djokovic...

Indian Wells - second set, 0-1 0-40, doesn't break, next game Djokovic breaks.
Rome - first set, 4-4 AD Fed, doesn't break, next game Djokovic breaks.
Wimbledon - third set, 1-1 30-40, doesn't break, next game Djokovic breaks.
US Open, third set, 3-4 AD (twice), doesn't break, next game Djokovic breaks.

Now please don't tell me I'm looking too deep because it is clear as daylight that Federer has developed the most ridiculous mental block against Djokovic. To lose all the break points AND THEN get broken the next game four times in four big finals is not a coincidence. Especially Rome and the US Open - those were to serve for the set. But I don't know whether Djokovic actually saves them most of the time, or Federer becomes passive and loses it. I think weirdly enough it's because he respects him waaay too much. It's like this with Nadal. Back when he saw Djokovic as this pretender, more times than not, he'll face up to him. But now it's like ''yeah Novak is so good'' and he has this mindset going into the match and during the rally.

Dare I say but Federer needs to be a bit more arrogant.

You guys forget that Fed has never been one of the elite returners on HCs. Good? Yes. But great? No.

His return game has fallen, and his service game has improved against the field, but it's not good enough against Novak, who is now serving almost as well as Fed.

At this point it is not just mental.

 

[Gary Duane]

You are SO CORRECT! You can look at those stats, or just his facial muscles, tight and nervous. Or ask the question, "Why was he aggressive all tournaments, blow people away, then stay back in the final"

I agree that his only chance it to play aggressively. He is still going to lose more often than not, but if he stays passive he will ALWAYS lose to Novak.