4 times Roger Federer easily defeated Novak Djokovic
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have squared off 50 times over the course of their distinguished careers, with the Serb leading the head-to-head 27-23. On most occasions, the contests have been just as intense as they have been close.
In this article, we take a look at some rare encounters where the Swiss champion recorded victories that were relatively facile in comparison to the see-saw matches so often conjured up between the two.
#4 Cincinnati final, 2015
Things couldn't have been more evenly poised as the tennis wizards faced off for the 41st time, having won 20 matches apiece.
The Swiss, who was the defending champion, had the better of the early exchanges. Chasing his seventh title at the venue, Federer bravely advanced to the net time and again to put away some brilliant winners.
An early Djokovic double-fault in the second set paved the way for Federer to pull ahead. Replays showed the first serve was in, but the Serb did not challenge the call and it ended up costing him.
Despite being under pressure, Djokovic weaved magic with his racquet, manufacturing some incredible down-the-line shots, but never really looked like getting the better of his illustrious rival, who went on to clinch the title in style.
Result: Roger Federer wins 7-6(1), 6-3
#3 Western & Southern Open Cincinnati final, 2012
The two greats met in the final of the Cincinnati Masters in 2012 as well. The match began with Roger Federer powering his way to a 6-0 win in the first set with a stunning array of shots that left Djokovic stunned.
In the second set, the Serb raised his game and held serve while attempting to break Federer in his opening service game. But the Serb's best efforts were in vain as Federer time and again held him at bay.
With the score at 5-4, Djokovic again attempted to break Federer's serve but couldn't do so as the set progressed to a tie-break. The World No. 1 held his nerve, unfazed and stoic as ever, to come through 9-7 in the tie-break.
Result: Roger Federer wins 6-0, 7-6(7)
#2 Dubai Open final, 2015
Roger Federer was on fire from the outset in the 2015 final in Dubai and took the first set 6-3 in just over half an hour. Switching from forehand to backhand with incredible ease, the Swiss got the crowd behind him with some magical shots.
Djokovic had no answer to Federer's outrageous shotmaking. But he managed to keep himself within striking distance, displaying enormous resilience.
Federer's ability to hit clean winners in key moments proved to be the difference between the two, and Djokovic could only applaud as his rival lifted the Dubai Open title for a seventh time.
Result: Roger Federer wins 6-3, 7-5
#1 Australian Open Round of 16, 2007
Sporting the now-famous headband, Federer was on the backfoot early. But it didn't last long, as the Swiss stepped up his game. Federer took the first set 6-2 and toyed with Djokovic to go 3-0 up in the second, before sealing the set for a commanding lead.
Recovering from a two-set deficit was too much, even for Djokovic, given Federer's form that evening. The Serb could only smile in defeat as a sizzling ace ended the match in Melbourne.
Result: Roger Federer wins 6-2, 7-5, 6-3