Nitto ATP Finals 2019: Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic, match preview and prediction
The matchups in the ongoing ATP World Tour Finals have lived up to the expectations, with players fighting hard to earn their place in the semifinals.
Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev displayed brilliant tennis, with Nadal fighting back from 1-5 and match-point down in the third set to clinch the match 6-7, 6-3, 7-6(4) apart from Dominic Thiem's win against Novak Djokovic which was yet another thrilling clash.
With Stefanos Tsitsipas and Thiem having already booked their spots in the next stage, all eyes are set on the next big clash in group Bjorn Borg- the virtual quarterfinal match between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
The memories of the drama that took place at Wimbledon this year could influence Federer's approach for this game, while in terms of head-to-head rivalry, the Serbian leads the race with 26 wins when compared to Federer's 22 wins.
But, for Federer to defeat Djokovic, winning the first set will be of prime importance. Post the Wimbledon 2014 final, both of them have faced off in 9 finals, excluding Federer's withdrawal from the 2014 ATP Finals at Great Britain. Djokovic has collected seven wins to his credit, while the other two matches have gone Federer's way.
Federer doesn't seem to have found his zone yet in the ongoing ATP Finals as he has barely stuck to his strong suit of picking up points through serve and volley. However, against Djokovic, Federer will need to be at his very best to claim an important win.
Djokovic, on the other hand, is in exceptional form and although the loss against Thiem could have added a dent on his confidence, the challenge laid out by Thiem could be something he will face against Federer.
While it took a victory on the home soil for Federer to bring things back to normal, Djokovic will want to make a comeback after his loss against Thiem and bounce back to winning ways. Safe to say, the Serb will be a lot more fired up to win against Federer, who had a pleasant victory over young Italian Matteo Berrettini in straight sets, 7-6,6-3.
Also, the fluctuating level of Federer's form could be a pivotal factor in deciding the winner of today's contest, and for Federer to have any chance of victory, he will have to play a consistent level of tennis throughout the match.
However, playing a well-known opponent on a big stage could well thrust Federer to find his mojo and produce a much-balanced contest in his quest to earn a spot in the semifinals.
Match Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in three sets.