Yesterday, I received a bit of criticism for discussing Robin Soderling's lowlights as opposed to Roger Federer's highlights. I don't think that will be an issue today.
Novak Djokovic lost to Federer in the Shanghai semis 7-5, 6-4, but it was hardly due to his shortcomings. Djokovic moved well and hit his forehand like he did at the U.S. Open—hard, deep, and with confidence. But Federer was simply the better player today. He negated much of Djokovic's arsenal with superb defense, primarily by use of the slice backhand. In terms of overall effectiveness, it may have been the tennis shot of the match. It was also used to hit the actual shot of the match, a down-the-line floating winner off a backhand stab. Djokovic couldn't believe it stayed in.
Djokovic's disbelief was warranted—against most other players, he would have won the opening set. But Federer had his weapons calibrated today, starting with the serve. He narrowly avoided an early deficit by holding at 1-2 in a nearly 12-minute game. There were plenty of other nervy moments on both sides. From the onset, they each seemed to realize the stakes—that a solitary break would likely determine the outcome. Which is exactly what happened. After 10 consecutive service holds, Djokovic blinked first, putting a backhand into net to fall behind. It was all Federer needed to take the first set.
The lost set deflated Djokovic, who appeared to fold mentally in the second stanza. Federer took advantage with strong serving, a barrage of forehands and, once again, the slice backhand. He raced to a 2-0 lead, then a double-break cushion. Djokovic got one of them back, but the insurance break was too much to overcome. Oh, it can be done, but not when Federer is at his peak, like he was today.
—Ed McGrogan