Novak Djokovic wary of in-form Federer at US Open

Sport360 staff 07:30 31/08/2015
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  • Aiming for glory: Djokovic.

    Novak Djokovic believes Roger Federer is playing the best tennis of his career as the duo prepare to do battle for the US Open title.

    Djokovic and Federer were slugging it out in the Wimbledon final only seven weeks ago, when the Serb dispatched his rival in four sets to claim a second major crown of the year.

    Prior to Djokovic’s ruthless display on Centre Court, Federer had played scintillating tennis at the All England Club, not least in his semi-final demolition of Andy Murray, and the Swiss has continued that form in the build-up to Flushing Meadows.

    A seventh career triumph in Cincinnati last week came via straight-sets wins over both Murray and Djokovic, prompting renewed belief Federer can finally win an 18th slam title and end his drought which stretches back to Wimbledon 2012.

    A miserable season two years ago had many forecasting Federer’s demise but Djokovic has not been surprised by his rival’s renaissance.

    “I was always expecting him to play at that level,” said Djokovic, who plays Brazilian Joao Souza in the first round today. “Many people did talk about his career coming to an end that season a few years ago but he came back stronger and is now maybe playing the best tennis he has played.

    “He’s fit, aggressive, using variety in his game and taking away time from his opponent. That’s what he does best, he likes a fast tempo.

    – Also: Who is tennis’ greatest? Federer, Nadal or Djokovic?
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    “Cincinnati suited him, he played a fantastic week and I still see him as one of the best players in the world undoubtedly. He’s one of the favourites.”

    For Djokovic, the defeat to Federer in Cincinnati came only one week after defeat to Murray in Montreal – his first in nine matches against the Scot.

    The world No 1 admitted he had struggled for form throughout both events but appearances are often deceptive with Djokovic, who has a habit of saving his best for the heat of a grand slam.

    “(The defeats) don’t change my approach too much,” Djokovic said. “I was getting ready for being the fittest and most prepared I can for this tournament. Of course I wanted to win in Canada and in Cincinnati but it didn’t happen. They deserved to win. It only changes in terms of me understanding what I did wrong.

    “It’s different playing best of three sets and best of five. In a grand slam you have the most motivation you can have so I’m looking forward to it.”

    Last year in New York, Djokovic saw his bid for a second US Open title ended by Kei Nishikori in the semi-finals. The Japanese No 4 seed, who then finished as runner-up to Marin Cilic, will launch another attempt to become the first Asian man to win a grand slam singles title. The 25-year-old will begin his run today against Benoit Paire, having beaten the Frenchman in both prior meetings.

    “I believe in myself,” Nishikori said. “This past four, five years I try to believe myself to be top 10 and now I’m top 10. So little by little I try to claim this big challenge.”

    Nishikori faces a potential quarter-final rematch of last year’s US Open final with the ninth-seeded Cilic and could meet Djokovic in the semi-finals.

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