In their first match since Wimbledon, where Djokovic defeated Federer by one break in the fifth set, the Swiss star looked sharp once more with a strong semifinal victory of the Shanghai Masters on Saturday Oct. 11th.
Federer broke Djokovic two times to beat the world No. 1 player 6-4, 6-4 and end Djokovic’s amazing streak since 2010. During that stretch, Djokovic was the champion at the China Open in Beijing three times and the Shanghai Masters two times. Djokovic went on to say after the loss,”Tonight is definitely one of the best matches he has played against me, that’s for sure.”
Three days before his victory Federer narrowly escaped defeat by Leonardo Mayer, however, he took advantage of his newer style of play and won his fourth title of the year with a 7-6 (6), 7-6 (2) victory over Gilles Simon of France in Sunday’s final.
2014 has been a very good year for Federer even though he did not win a major.Federer is the leader of the men’s ATP tour this season with 61 match wins, 13 top-10 wins, and 9 final appearances. On Monday, he will move to No. 2 in the rankings passing Rafael Nadal for the first time in over a year.
Federer got his third win of the year against the No.1 ranked Serb in the semifinals, but Djokovic is far ahead in points to secure his spot. Federer’s play was very reminiscent of Edberg’s attacking style
Almost a year ago, there were murmurs that Federer should retire as he had no chance against the top players. last year his play was affected by back problems, and lost to a variety of lesser-ranked players while only winning one title.
”The biggest concern was to be healthy this year,” Federer said. ”That’s something I’m just so pleased about, to see that the hard work I put in last year is paying off. Not only is it paying off, but I’m feeling good, I’m waking up normal. I’m not half broken like I was last year
”I’m enjoying myself on the tennis court,” he added. ”I’m playing the way I was hoping I could play again.”
The 17-time grand slam major winner in the final has 36 unforced errors and 21 winners, although his play was more aggressive, frequently coming to he net after hitting brilliant approach shots and forcing Simon to pass him. Federer won 24 of 35 points when coming to the net.