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 season’s closing stages.
The Swiss reached six finals in the last eight tournaments and lifted four trophies, including his fifth ATP Finals crown. Federer squandered five match points in the Paris Masters semi-final against Gael Monfils. He used the following week to recharge his batteries and attack the ATP Finals title in London, failing to reach the final in the previous two editions.
Judging by his form, Roger was the top favorite. 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 scored commanding triumphs over David Ferrer, Robin Soderling and Andy Murray in the round-robin stage.
Things were not getting easier for the Swiss, as he faced Novak Djokovic in the semi-final. Roger outplayed Novak 6-1, 6-4 in an hour and 21 minutes to deliver his 13th and most convincing victory over the Serb from 19 encounters.
Federer bested Djokovic for the fourth time from five clashes that year and set the final meeting with Rafael Nadal. The Swiss had the edge on serve and return. He offered Novak only one break chance and grabbed 49% of the return points for the first time against the Serb.
They had a similar number of unforced errors. Still, Roger dominated with his sharp serve and forehand, keeping Novak outside the hitting zone and ruling the shortest and more extended exchanges to seal the deal in 80 minutes.
Federer kicked off the match with a hold at love after a forehand winner. He won four points in a row in game two for an early break following Djokovic’s costly double fault. Finding his shots right from the start, the Swiss placed three winners in the third game to extend his lead and keep momentum.
The Serb finally held in game four after an ace.
Roger Federer defeated Novak Djokovic at the 2010 ATP Finals.
However, it was his only bright moment in the opening set after experiencing another break in game six following a terrible volley at the net.
Roger served for the set in game seven and fired a service winner for 6-1 in swift 31 minutes. Novak raised his level at the beginning of the second set and produced a comfortable hold. The Serb created his first and only break chance in game two, converting it and forging a 2-0 advantage.
Djokovic made another great hold and settled into a fine rhythm while leading 3-0. Federer reduced the deficit with a forehand winner in game four and earned his chances on the return in the next one. The Swiss pulled the break back after exceptional net coverage that left the Serb furious and on the verge of slamming the ball into the stands.
Roger held for 3-3 after a lightning-quick game, rattling off 12 of the last 15 points and gathering momentum. Djokovic fended off three break points in game seven to bring it home with a service winner. Thus, he ended his downfall and sent pressure on the other side.
Facing possible troubles in the next game at deuce, Roger blasted 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 failed to control.
Roger served for the victory in game ten and fired three winners to wrap up an impressive win and set the title clash against Rafael Nadal.
