Novak Djokovic crowned a constant 2012 season with his second ATP Finals title in London. The Serb defeated five rivals to lift the trophy and wrap up a year with 1500 ATP points on his tally. Novak ousted Juan Martin del Potro in the semi-final and set the title clash against Roger Federer.
Seeking his first ATP Finals crown since 2008, Novak delivered a 7-6, 7-5 triumph in two hours and 15 minutes to end the season in style. Novak and Roger met for the fifth time in 2012, and the Serb delivered his third victory.
Djokovic won one point more than Federer, and they both had seven break chances in a neck-and-neck battle. Novak converted four and made the difference after dropping serve three times. Federer had more winners and unforced errors.
However, Novak forced over 40 mistakes from his opponent and emerged at the top in their 29th meeting on the Tour. Almost nothing could separate them in the shortest rallies up to four strokes. Roger stayed in touch with Novak in the more extended rallies to stay competitive until the last point.
The defending champion kicked off the match with a hold at love after a volley winner at the net. He broke Novak without losing a point in game two for an instant lead and a reliable start. The Swiss secured the third game with a forehand winner to move 3-0 up after just eight minutes, having the upper hand and threatening again on the return in the next one.
Djokovic held after two deuces when his forehand down the line found the edge of the line. Novak started to feel the ball and broke back in game five after Roger’s backhand error. After six deuces at 4-4, Novak converted the third break chance and moved ahead following Roger’s another unforced error.
Djokovic wasted a set point in the next game, and Federer pulled the break back in the last moment to level the score at 5-5 and prolong the set.
Novak Djokovic prevailed over Roger Federer in the 2012 ATP Finals title match.
An ace moved Federer 6-5 up, and Djokovic did a great job on his serve despite receiving a medical timeout after falling to the ground and cutting his arm.
They stayed neck and neck in the tie break, and Roger fended off a set point with a beautiful forehand crosscourt winner at 5-6 to extend the drama. Still, his backhand landed long in the next point, offering Novak another chance to clinch the set.
A forehand crosscourt winner sealed the opener for the Serb after grueling 72 minutes, prevailing despite an evident struggle on his second serve. Novak saved a break opportunity at the beginning of the second set with a service winner.
He denied another after Roger’s loose backhand, and the Swiss squandered the third chance when his forehand landed long. Finally, Federer converted the fourth break point after a marathon game to build the advantage. He hit three winners in game two to cement the break, like in the opener.
Roger stayed in front with an ace in game four before earning another break chance in the next one that could have sent him closer to a decider. Novak saved it to remain within one break deficit before Roger delivered another excellent hold for 4-2.
The Swiss fended off a break chance in game eight, forcing the Serb’s error to increase his lead to 5-3. Roger wasted two set points while serving for the set at 5-4. Novak stayed calm and broke back with a superb forehand attack that forced an error from the defending champion and gave him momentum.
Djokovic served well after that early break he suffered and kept the pressure on the other side. He stole Federer’s serve for the second straight time with a picture-perfect backhand down the line winner in game 12 that secured the title for him, the first at this event in four years.
