(November 12, 2012) Novak Djokovic came back from early service breaks in both sets to top Roger Federer 7-6(6), 7-5 for the ATP World Tour Finals championship.
The win for No. 1 Djokovic netted the Serbian $1.76 million dollars. The Serbian lost his top ranking in July after Federer won Wimbledon, but regained it a week ago and sealed the year-end top ranking. It’s Djokovic’s second year-end championship, he also won it in 2008.
Federer rushed out to a 3-0 lead in the first set, winning 12 of the first 14 points of the match, but Djokovic won the next 3 games to even it up.
“Maybe a bit of regret because I had the lead twice first before him,” Federer told media. “At the end of the day, that doesn’t matter. You have to get over the finish line in the set and then obviously at the match. He was better at that today.”
Djokovic served for the first set at 5-4 but was broken. Both men held to move into a tiebreak which Djokovic won 8-6.
Federer again took a second set 2-0 lead but could not hold on. The Swiss even held two set points at 5-4 before Djokovic won four straight points, three straight games to seal the victory 7-6 (6), 7-5.
“I shouldn’t have been broken as often as I was broken today,” said Federer. “But then again, that obviously has something to do with Novak, as well.”
“Today we had times where we had longer rallies, we had times where we had shorter rallies. I think we had some great stuff out there. It was good playing such points. I think the quality was good. I shouldn’t have been broken as often as I was broken today. But then again, that obviously has something to do with Novak, as well. It was extremely close today.”
“I think it’s been a fantastic season to be part of. Four different Grand Slam champs. Then having the Olympics, as well, was obviously very unique. I’m very happy I stayed injury free throughout. That allowed me to basically play a full schedule almost. I’m very pleased that I was able to pick up my performance at the end of the season, like I played now this week, so obviously gives me confidence for next year.”
“It’s not the first time that Roger starts against me so well,” Djokovic said. “I’ve experienced before his aggressivity, really trying to put his mark on the match. It’s what he’s done again.”
“It’s been a very long year, a very long two years, but very successful two years,” said Djokovic.
“I actually feel even more satisfied right now than last year, even though I had an incredible 2011. I feel this year, considering the circumstances that I had to face on and off the court, expectations, all these things, I believe that this year has been even more successful for me.”
“It was a fantastic year, where I’ve had to face a lot of difficulties off the court as well. Especially coming into this tournament, having my father fighting his own fight for health gave me extra strength that I wanted to play for him in a way.
“That’s one of the reasons I really gave it all every match, especially tonight. This was a title for him.”