Djokovic has the last word: Bye-bye Federer

“I am just very amazed I coped with the pressure,” Djokovic said. Despite a 1-5 record against Federer that included a loss in the US Open final in September, Djokovic was far from intimidated on a muggy night in a packed Rod Laver Arena, even after getting broken in the first set.

Federer pulled ahead at 5-3 only to be stunned as Djokovic ran off the last four games. Djokovic broke him to pull ahead at 3-1 in the second set. He finished off the game by getting to a drop shot on the dead run and flicking a backhand past Federer that kissed the line.

He broke again to pull ahead at 5-1. Serving for the set, Djokovic looked a little tight, and Federer took advantage to break.

When he held to make it 5-3, the divided crowd erupted into dueling chants of “Let’s go Roger, let’s go” and “No-vak, No-vak.” Federer forced deuce as Djokovic served again for the set.

The two men combined to fend off seven break points early in the third set. Federer had two chances to break as Djokovic served at 5-6, but the Serbian refused to crack, hitting two great serves, then getting to a drop for a forehand crosscourt winner to force a tiebreaker.

From 3-3, the two players combined for five straight winners, the last a good serve by Djokovic that set up match point. Federer netted a forehand to finish it in 2 hours and 48 minutes.