Roger Federer Beats Novak Djokovic For the First Time Since 2015

Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2018
Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2018. Photo by James Marsh/BPI/REX/Shutterstock

Roger Federer finally got the best of Novak Djokovic. The two tennis greats met in the group stage of ATP Finals tournament on Thursday, with Federer coming out with a 6-4, 6-3 win.

This was the first time since 2015 that Federer managed to beat Djokovic. The Swiss legend lost the previous five matchups against the Serbian, including a heartbreaking defeat in Wimbledon finals this year.

”I played incredible, and I knew I had to, because that’s what Novak does,” – said Federer after the match. ”I was able to produce, it was definitely magical.”

Roger Federer advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament with this win, while Djokovic ended up being eliminated after 1-2 record in the group stage. Federer will get Rafael Nadal or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semis depending on the results of remaining matches.

With this early exit, Novak Djokovic missed out on the opportunity to take over Rafael Nadal for the No. 1 spot on ATP rankings. Djokovic also had a chance to equal Pete Sampras’ record, who was the top-ranked tennis player in the world six times.

“There was not much that I did right this match, to be honest. Realistically he was better player in all aspects and absolutely deserved to win,” Djokovic said. “He served great, moved well, returned my serve very well. From his end, I think he did everything right.”

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