Federer brings down Djokovic for Dubai title
Switzerland’s former world number one beats the Serb in straight sets to win the Dubai Championships.
Roger Federer’s enduring class shone through again as the Swiss maestro beat world number one Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-5 to win the Dubai Championships for a seventh time.
The 33-year-old’s serve is the least praised of his repertoire but it was his awesome delivery that blunted Djokovic’s baseline game, taking his career ace haul past the 9,000 barrier with 12 more, several at vital moments.
Federer went into the match with a 19-17 winning record against Djokovic, although the Serb beat him in last year’s gripping Wimbledon final.
The match proved to be a tale of chances taken and chances missed – Federer converting his two break points with clinical efficiency, while Djokovic failed on all seven of his.
“We get the best out of each other,” Federer said in a courtside interview after winning an 84th tour singles crown.
“I’m pleased I did some good serving when I had to. I definitely won the big points tonight.”