Roger Federer v Novak Djokovic

Thursday 30 January, Australian Open men’s singles semi final

Seven times Federer faced match point against an inspired Tennys Sandgren and seven times he kept himself in the contest, eventually emerging victorious in five gruelling sets. Even by the great man’s standards, this was a remarkable win. However, Federer is struggling with an injury and so a semi final against someone of Djokovic’s level might prove to be a step too far.

The Serbian has lost just one set at this year’s Australian Open and eased past Milos Raonic in the quarter finals despite the Canadian playing at a relatively high level. Djokovic just seems to be on another level to anyone else in the men’s game right now, with the 32-year-old dealing with the slightly slower courts of Melbourne Park this year better than many of his rivals.

The only thing that could hinder Djokovic is that he has yet to be truly tested over the past two weeks. Only Jan-Lennard Struff in the opening round was able to even lay a finger on the Serbian. Since then, it’s been a stroll for Djokovic. Will he be able to raise his game on command? On the flip side, this means he will be the fresher of the two players, with Federer dropping sets in each of his last three rounds.

Of course, Djokovic has an exceptional record at the Australian Open having won it eight times previously. The Serbian also has a winning record against Federer, winning 26 of the 49 matches they have played against each other. Djokovic’s most recent win in last year’s ATP Tour Finals. Plus, Djokovic won a Wimbledon final epic against Federer last summer. That could still be in the mind of both players.

Federer’s serve doesn’t always get the credit it deserves and it will need to be in good shape against Djokovic, arguably the best returner the sport has ever seen. Even if he manages that, it’s difficult to look past the number two seed at this moment. Federer should be competitive, but Djokovic looks likely to win this one, maybe even with a margin for error.

1pt - Novak Djokovic To Win Set 1  8/25

0.5pts - Tie Break In Match 10/11

Novak Djokovic To Win Set 1 - 1pt @ 8/25
Tie Break In Match - 0.5pts @ 10/11