Djokovic ends Federer’s winning run

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:55

The world number one went into the match looking to win a fourth consecutive title in front of his adoring fans, but Djokovic spoiled the party with a 6-4 4-6 6-2 victory.

The Serb has been forced to battle from behind during the tournament, but it was a different story as he let a second-set lead slip before pressing home his dominance in the decider.

Second seed Djokovic went into the match trailing 9-4 in head-to-head clashes – although he had won two of four meetings this year.

He needed all his fighting spirit to serve out the first set. In a game lasting an astonishing 24 minutes, the 22-year-old saved five break points before finally clinching the two points he needed.

Djokovic then broke at the start of the second set. But Federer, clearly desperate to give his fans something to cheer, hit back before breaking his opponent to level the match.

The Swiss took more than six weeks off before the tournament – and maybe that lack of sharpness cost him in the third set as Djokovic, the champion in Beijing last month, quickly opened up a 4-0 lead.

Federer had chances to get back into the match but could not take them, and it was Djokovic who was able to celebrate a fourth title of the year.

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