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Roger Federer achieved his only «Channel Slam» in 2009. Federer failed to defend Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2010 and lost the ATP throne to Rafael Nadal. Still, Roger was the most consistent player in the closing stages of the season.
The Swiss has reached six finals in the last eight tournaments and lifted four trophies, including his fifth ATP Finals crown. Federer wasted five match points in the Paris Masters semifinal against Gael Monfils. He took advantage of the following week to recharge his batteries and attack for the ATP Finals title in London, having failed to reach the final in the previous two editions.
Judging by his form, Roger was the top favourite. He delivered excellent tennis in all five matches to lift the trophy and become the third player with five ATP Finals crowns after Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras. Federer had dominant wins over David Ferrer, Robin Soderling and Andy Murray in the round-robin stage.
Things didn’t get easy for the Swiss, as he faced Novak Djokovic in the semi-final. Roger outscored Novak 6-1, 6-4 in one hour and 21 minutes to earn his 13th and most convincing victory over the Serb in 19 meetings.
Federer outpointed Djokovic for the fourth time in five meetings that year and set up the final meeting with Rafael Nadal. The Swiss had an advantage in serving and returning. He offered Novak just one break chance and earned 49% return points for the first time against the Serb.
They had a similar number of unforced errors. Still, Roger dominated with his serve and forehand, keeping Novak out of the hitting zone and dominating the shorter and longer rallies to seal the deal in 80 minutes.
Federer started the match with a zero serve after a forehand winner. He earned four straight points in the second game on an early break after Djokovic’s costly double fault. Finding his shots early on, the Swiss put up three winners in the third game to extend his lead and maintain momentum.
The Serb finally held in game four after an ace.
Roger Federer defeated Novak Djokovic at the 2010 ATP Finals.
However, it was her only shining moment in the first set after experiencing another break in the sixth game following a terrible volley into the net.
Roger served for the set in game seven and fired a 6-1 winning serve in a quick 31 minutes. Novak raised his level early in the second set and produced a comfortable hold. The Serb created his first and only break chance in the second game, converting it and carving out a 2-0 lead.
Djokovic made another great hold and got into a good rhythm as he led 3-0. Federer reduced the deficit with a forehand winner in the fourth game and earned him chances on the return in the next. The Swiss cut the break after exceptional net coverage that left the Serb furious and about to crash the ball into the stands.
Roger held on for 3-3 after a lightning-quick game, rattling off 12 of the last 15 points and gaining momentum. Djokovic fended off three break points in game seven to bring it home with a service winner. Thus, he ended his fall and sent pressure to the other side.
Facing potential trouble in the next game at deuce, Roger blasted past two service winners for a crucial hold and leveled the score at 4-4. Federer stepped in and broke Djokovic a few minutes later with a return that the Serb couldn’t control.
Roger served for the win in game ten and shot three winners to wrap up an impressive win and set up the title clash against Rafael Nadal.
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