Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic played out a thrilling rivalry for several years, with the former bringing it to an end with his retirement in 2022.
Djokovic is prioritising Grand Slams in 2025 as he looks to extend his lead over Federer, with the Serbian on 24 compared to the Swiss legend’s 20.
Rafael Nadal meanwhile, who completed the famous Big Three, sits second in the all-time men’s Grand Slam list with 22.
It is, however, Federer who has the most Australian Open main draw appearances, with that Grand Slam the first up in the calendar once more in 2025.
But it is his old enemy Djokovic who leads the way for titles in Melbourne, having won 10 Australian Open titles so far.
Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty ImagesWhen Roger Federer made a ‘brutal’ Novak Djokovic claim after 2007 US Open final
Federer is second in the Open Era with six, although it was the Swiss icon who managed to steal the limelight during their first-ever Grand Slam final meeting at the 2007 US Open.
It was a familiar position for Federer but not for Djokovic, with the former securing a hard-fought 7-6(7-4), 7-6(7-2), 6-4 win over the latter.
An emotional Federer was thrilled with the win, although he did feel sorry for his opponent regarding the nature of the defeat.
READ MORE: Tim Henman says why he wants Novak Djokovic to ‘struggle’ at the 2025 Australian Open
“I think straight sets was a bit brutal for Novak, to be honest,” Federer said after the match, as quoted by BBC Sport. “He deserved better than that.
“He’s had a fantastic run, not only this tournament but the entire year. I told him at the net ‘keep it up.’ We’re going to have many more battles I think.”
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images‘Nervous’ Roger Federer breaks record v Novak Djokovic
Inexperience was perhaps Djokovic’s biggest downfall in his first Grand Slam final, having missed a total of seven set points.
But his opponent wasn’t exactly calm and composed going into the meeting, with Federer replying after being asked about being nervous: “I can admit that.
“I’ve had an upset stomach the last few days. Nervous, shaking, cold hands before the match. I’ve had it all.
READ MORE: Who Andy Murray named as his most difficult opponent out of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
“And I’m supposed to be the experienced guy whose gotten used to the situation, but you never do get used to it.”
The iconic duo did, of course, go on to meet many more times on the court, with the Serbian just edging out the Swiss in their head-to-head record.
Turned proGrand Slam titlesCareer titlesWin-lossPrize moneyRoger Federer1998201031,251-275$130,594,339Novak Djokovic200324991,124-222$185,065,269Roger Federer v Novak Djokovic career stats
Djokovic won 27 times compared to Federer’s 23, although the former is ahead in terms of ATP Tour-level titles won, with 103 compared to 99.
Federer secured his 12th Grand Slam title with the 2007 success in New York, becoming the first man ever to win Wimbledon and the US Open for four years in a row.
Related Posts