Serbia veteran tennis player and World No.2 Novak Djokovic defeated Swiss tennis star Roger Federer in the first semi-final of the Australian Open. With this, Novak Djokovic reached the final of the first Grand Slam Australian Open in the year 2020. Djokovic made it to the finals by overwhelming Federer 7-6, 6-4 and 6-3 in straight sets.
In a two-hour and 18-minute match, defending champion Djokovic outscored Federer 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, 6-3 to break his dream of winning the 21st Grand Slam. With this, defending Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic reached the final to win the Australian Open title for the 8th time. Prior to this, Djokovic has won the Australian Open title seven times. Djokovic has won these titles in the years 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2019.
This is the second year in a row that Federer missed the final of the Australian Open. Winner in 2018 and 2017, Federer lost to Stefanos Sitipas of Greece in the fourth round in 2019.
It was the 50th clash between the two. Djokovic has won 28 times and Federer 23 times. This was the 18th match between the two in the Grand Slam, of which Djokovic has won 12 times. The two have competed at the Australian Open five times and Federer has won only once.
Djokovic said after the match, “I just want to say respect to Roger for coming out tonight.”He said this referring to the groin and leg tightness Federer referred to after his last match. The defending champion further added He obviously was hurt and he wasn’t even close to his best in terms of movement. And respect for coming out and trying his best all the way through.”
World No.2 player Novak Djokovic will have to face Alexander Zverev or Domenic Thiem in the final, with the semi-finals scheduled for Friday. The surprising thing is that both these players have not won a single Grand Slam. In such a situation, Djokovic can take advantage of his experience to win the title.