ATP Finals London Preview: Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer

The "2019 Wimbledon final revenge" narrative is too obvious to ignore in this 49th meeting between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer—but it is the lowest-hanging fruit from a bountiful tree. Their rivalry shouldn’t be defined by one match, even one as historically significant and impeccably played as it was. Rather, it should be framed by the diety-like level of tennis they bring to the court on such regular occasions, and most commonly against each other. Federer’s unprecedented offense and shotmaking pitted against Djokovic’s unparalleled defense and consistency is perhaps our sport’s tastiest fruit.

Still, it wasn't a surprise when Federer was asked about the instant-classic that saw the Swiss lose in Wimbledon's first 12-all, final-set tiebreaker in singles. What impact could it have on this winner-take-all round-robin match—where the winner reaches the semifinals, and the loser's season is over?

“Actually, it's good for me to play him again, and maybe that all helps to get a chance to get him back or whatever it is," said Federer. "But at the end of the day, I'm here for the World Tour Finals and not because of the Wimbledon finals.”

Djokovic was asked a similar question in his post-defeat press-conference; this time, he had just lost a 2019 classic, to Dominic Thiem. The Serb responded bluntly.

“It doesn’t really matter.”

This match, of course, matters a great deal, but transcendent athletes like Federer and Djokovic don’t reach their peak by focusing on the past. Centre Court is just sixteen miles from the O2 Arena, but July’s history-altering final clash likely won’t enter either players' mind—unless, perhaps, Federer serves for the match up 40-15.

Djokovic’s level this week has been markedly higher than Federer’s. His movement looks crisper, and his ball-striking purer. Tennis is an incredible expression of personal style, and lately, Djokovic’s machine-like discipline and demoralizing court-coverage has gotten the better of Federer’s picturesque all-court, first-strike tennis.

Not once in the 48-match history of Djokovic vs. Federer has a player won five straight matches, but look for the Serb to break that streak–and break Federer, once more—come Thursday. Winner: Djokovic

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