Serbia’s top tennis player wins Swiss star’s hometown event
Novak Djokovic rules Basel. The Serbian tennis star played one of his best matches yesterday when he beat Roger Federer in the final of Basel, hometown of the Swiss tennis giant. In the hostile environment of the cram-packed St Jakob arena in Basel, Djokovic faced not only the world’s number one, but also Federer’s ardent supporters. The 6-4 4-6 6-2 win was fought out after 151 minutes of play, while the Serb crowned his performance with a terrific display in the third set.
The two have now met 14 times, while Federer leads 9-5 in head-to-head career wins over Djokovic. Nonetheless, the Serb is now 3-2 up in clashes with Federer in 2009. Basel has come as Djokovic’s fourth title of the season after the trophies from the events in Dubai, Belgrade and Beijing, and 15th career title. Djokovic was awarded with €291,700 and additional 500 ATP points for the win at Basel, and now trails Rafael Nadal in the ATP Race by only 455 points ahead of the Paris tournament, which all guarantees a thrilling closure to the season.
- “I wish to thank all of those who participated in the organization of this event. Also, thank you for the hospitality you have shown not only towards me, but also my team and family. The number of people who have supported me has made me feel at home. I will be here next year, no doubt,” Novak said upon being handed the Basel champion’s trophy.
Federer, who had been aiming to set a record with four consecutive wins at the event in his home country, had to settle for the runner-up place.
- “All credit to Novak on his win, I wish him all the best in the rest of the season. I really love to play here in Switzerland, especially at this event and I have to thank the fans for their exceptional support. Big thanks to all my townsmen and I promise to return next year,” said Federer.
Djokovic had known before the final the key to success in Basel was great serving. He was forced to get the best of his first shot in every serve game and press the Swiss as hard as he could. Djokovic excelled in the opening set and Federer was miles away from getting a break opportunity by the time it was 4-4 in the first set. Then the Serb played one of the best games in the match to break his opponent after converting the third opportunity to take the 5-4 lead.
Federer’s reputation precedes the great champion and the Swiss came out strong when it mattered. Novak knew he would have to be at his best in the following game as the two aces cancelled each other in a game which lasted over 20 minutes. Although Federer had five chances to rebreak and restore parity, Djokovic showed he had nerves of steel and converted the seventh set point to win the set 6-4.
Support for Federer increased in the St Jakob arena, but it was Djokovic who opened the second set on top. He instantly broke Federer, won the next game at his own serve and looked to be on his way of winning the final match. However, Federer proved his merit and found a way out of the grim situation. The current king of tennis went on a series of 3 games and the set was again in the balance. The Swiss kept his nerve in the deciding moments of the set and had two set points at Djokovic’s serve. He blew the first one but converted the second one to level the overall score after 93 minutes of play.
After winning the second set, Federer had the psychological edge over his opponent and was expected to go for a more offensive approach carried by the magnificent support from the home fans. Against all odds, Djokovic produced arguably his finest set of the year and swept past the Swiss in the decider. The Serb went 4-0 up and all Federer could do was to win a couple of his serve games.
Zimonjic, Nestor win doubles trophy
Serbian tennis player Nenad Zimonjic and Canada’s Daniel Nestor have won the doubles event at Basel. The two beat their great rivals – Bob and Mike Bryan of the USA – in the final, earning the trophy with a convincing 6-2 6-3 win. This is Zimonjic and Nestor’s eighth title of the season.
The win in Basel has brought Zimonjic and Nestor 500 ATP points and further €71,500 worth of prize money.
Zimonjic and Nestor were strong straight from the blocks and broke their opposition in the first game. The pair maintained their own serve and broke the Bryan twins again to make it 5-2 in the opening set. The rest was formality.
In the second set, the Serb and the Canadian broke the American pair to come to a 2-1 lead, but Bob and Mike Bryan bounced back to overturn the score to 3-2 in their advantage. Still, that was all the American pair could come up with in the final, as Zimonjic and Nestor won all the remaining games in the set and claimed the Basel doubles title.
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