The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsNovak Djokovic is through to the final of the Australian Open after the world number one produced a near-perfect display to defeat Roger Federer 6-1 6-2 3-6 6-3. The Serbian was simply unstoppable in the first two sets as he overwhelmed Federer, and even though the Swiss maestro fought back to reduce the deficit, Djokovic held on to seal a four set victory.
In the opening set, Federer made a slow start and a forehand error ensured Djokovic would gain the early break to eventually build a 3-0 lead. The Serbian’s ability to maintain consistent, deep length on his groundstrokes in the baseline exchanges was too much for the Swiss maestro to handle, as Djokovic continued to control the rallies and increase the aggression when needed. The world number one was in imperious form as he established the double break with more immaculate depth, and the Serbian wrapped up a commanding set of tennis to take the lead.
As the second set unfolded, Djokovic sustained his incredible level, and at 1-1, he emphatically broke Federer’s serve to gain the early advantage once again. The world number one was in complete control and efficiently held his service games, using his precise tennis to manoeuvre and outlast his opponent in the rallies. The Swiss maestro was helpless as he tried to repel the onslaught, but the Serbian ruthlessly struck again with a series of blistering winners and deep shot-making to extract yet another break, and with that, consolidate the advantage to build a two set lead.
In the third set, the Swiss maestro improved as he started to serve better and move towards the net more, allowing him to hold serve more easily. At 3-2, Djokovic was under pressure for the first time and needed to save break points, but he was unable to hold off his opponent as Federer conjured a sensational forehand passing shot on his way to eventually breaking the Serbian. The world number one’s level had taken a slight dip, but Federer fully capitalised and the Swiss maestro consolidated his advantage. Even though Djokovic provided tough resistance for his opponent whilst serving for the set, Federer maintained his composure and he clinched the set when the Serbian’s forehand drifted wide.
The fourth set saw a brief delay as the roof was closed under Rod Laver Arena, but Federer looked to build momentum and he established a 0-30 lead in Djokovic’s opening service game. However, the world number one stood firm to erase any potential opportunity, and held on. Both players were beginning to ease through their own service games, but at 4-3, Federer was under pressure. Even though the Swiss maestro had somehow managed to deliver a sumptuous backhand down the line after defending for most of the point to recover for 30-30, Djokovic was undeterred and a dipping return was enough to beat Federer at the net and as a result, establish the decisive break. The Serbian was left serving for the match, and he closed it out comfortably to secure his place in the final, where he will face either Andy Murray or Milos Raonic.
Meanwhile on the women’s side, Johanna Konta’s stirring run in Melbourne came to an end as the Brit was defeated 7-5 6-2 by Angelique Kerber in their semifinal match. The German will go on to play Serena Williams in the final, as the world number one swept past Agnieszka Radwanska 6-0 6-4.
