Roger Federer Praises Novak Djokovic Ahead Of Return

The 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has described the Tennis world No.1 Novak Djokovic as ‘one of the greatest’  in the history of the sport during a question and answer session organised by Qatar Tennis.

Federer has played Djokovic 50 times on the ATP Tour with five of those being in a major final. Including the 2019 Wimbledon Final which Djokovic won after saving two match points. He currently trails their head-to-head 23-27 and lost their most recent clash in the semi-finals of the Australian Open last year.

“I enjoy playing against him. I really feel like we get the best out of each other,”  Federer said.
“We have different playing styles, (so) it almost depends on the day, which court we’re playing on and how the matches have been leading up to that match.”

“Against the best players you know you have to bring your best game. Otherwise, it will not be enough. Especially against somebody like Novak who can go into a mode where he is not going to miss (a ball).”

Federer, 39, says one aspect of what makes the Serbian such a formidable force in tennis is the variety of his game and approach to matches. Djokovic clinched his 18th major title last month in Melbourne as he closes in on the Federer’s all-time record.

“He can defend very well and be aggressive, he has a very good balance. That’s why he is one of the greatest players ever,” Federer added

“It has been a pleasure to play against him and he’s one of the players who have made me a better player. It’s great to have him in the game.”

Since their first Tour clash at the 2006 Monte Carlo Masters, they have played each other almost every year with the exception being in 2017.

It has been a year since Federer last graced his presence on the ATP Tour due to a right knee injury which required two surgeries in 2020. He will kick-off his comeback at the upcoming Qatar Open which he won a record three times before but the last triumph was back in 2011.

The tournament is being run by Karim Alami who coincidentally lost to Federer in the quarter-finals of the 2000 Olympic Games.

“I am very excited to be back. The first time I played was in 2003 and it was a great tournament for me. I got a taste of this region that I didn’t know very well to be honest,” Federer said.

“I’ve seen the city grow tremendously over the last 15-18 years. It’s a wonderful tournament. I feel like the fans have always been wonderful in Doha as well.”

Federer will be the second seed in Doha b behind Dominic Thiem. He will play his first match against either Jeremy Chardy or Dan Evans.

Chidi Nwoke.