Men’s Wimbledon Showdown

July 12, 2015

When the number 1 seed, Novic Djokovic, faced off against the number 2 seed, Roger Federer, then you knew you had to watch this spectacle. I usually don't miss the Wimbledon finals, but honestly, there have been years when you didn't want to invest five hours in watching Roger Federer destroy whoever he was playing in the finals (poor Andy Roddick). Seeing the accession of Federer to the finals is suitable for this event.

The first set went to Djokovic playing his usual power game, but Federer held in there using his steady groundstrokes. The two traded blows, but Djokovic eventually took the set to a 7-6 margin to an entertained capacity Wimbledon crowd. Federer fell behind in the second set, and this was starting to look like a short day for him. Federer being down 3-6, was able to claw back to 6 -6. The two traded volleys and ferocious serves to 7-7, but Federer finally caught him and beat him to 10 after a 15-minute battle.

The beginning of the third set played like a chess match, with Federer still making great sideline volleys and slicing with precision. In the third game, Djokovic was able to break Federer's serve, which turned to be a major turning point in the match. Soon after, the rain clouds crept in, and the tarp was stretched over the court. The short break appeared to benefit Djokovic, who came out able to handle anything that Federer threw at him. Federer stopped converting as many aces, and Djokovic became clinical with great shot-making.

More of the same ensued in the fourth set, with Djokovic again breaking Federer's serve.  Djokovic was getting appreciative responses from an always pro–Federer crowd, as he has earned it. The final set went 6-3 to Mr. Djokovic, who repeated against Federer and won his third overall Wimbledon. Even though Djokovic won, Federer didn't play bad himself, always gracious and respectful for his opponents. Djokovic as well gave Federer his props for being the great elder statesmen for tennis.

Djokovic is at the height of his game and looks to be on the run for a few more years. With his size, strength, and power, he reminds me of Ivan Lendl but with just more precision and skill. This was his ninth overall Major victory putting him behind Nadal and Federer. He also missed winning the French Open, so by the time he hangs up his racket, he will be glorified as one of the best.