Belgrade, Serbia

Hold the press: Djokovic beats Federer for place in final – Bganon’s analysys of Serbian tennis stars

Published: January 25, 2008

A fairytale ending; two Serbian tennis players in the finals of the Australian Open.

Djokovic outplayed Federer 7-5 6-3 7-6 and Ana Ivanovic staged an amazing comback to beat the Slovak Hantuchova 0-6 6-3 6-4.

Federer at times played some of his best tennis but could not match the tempo or quality of Djokovic.

Novak’s game was all there – return of serve was devestating, he aced himself out of trouble (the sign of real quality in the mens game is when a player can turn it on after being 15-40 down). The trademark passing shots, confidence to come to the net, the incredible angles, even the amazingly accurate challenges. Even physically he looks different; less of a boy and more a man with the game to match. Only Novaks drop shot failed him today, but no matter..

Watching the game one had the impression that Djokovic has been playing Federer mentally for the past year – targetting him, analysing Federers game, deciding what to play and when, before the match had started. In fact I’m sure this is the case. Novak’s serious assault on Federer’s dominance began last year. Whilst Nadal has not improved (and remains a clay court player) Djokovic is finally setting his sights on becoming world number one.

Yes, this is a serious prospect, not wild optimism.

Djokovic paid tribute to Federer in an interview afterwards but that would have provided little comfort to Federer whose creeping suspicion has been confirmed – that Novak has reached the required standard to beat him, perhaps on a regular basis.

Now being the favourite can he win the Australian Open? Emotinally draining to beat Federer yes, but in three sets. Barring a collapse in Novak’s game he is in line to win his first grand slam tournament.

Serbian tennis stars have produced their best performances in this grand slam tournament. Incredibly up until the semi finals neither Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic or Novak Djokovic had lost a set.

After the two leading ladies put out both Williams sisters we were denied an all Serbian final, by a whisker, when Sarapova, this years favourite, put Jankovic out. Jankovic won’t be too upset, despite problems with injuries she is improving, although still need to work on her serve.

The biggest difference in the Serbian women’s performance this year seems to be psychological – all have progressed in mental attitude – beating the Williams sisters (even if they were both below their best) was a fantastic move forward. Both sisters use intimidation – for example standing inside the byline to receive a serve, to the maximum. Even if ‘team’ Williams decide to make a full committment to tennis again and match their past best, it is unlikely that Jankovic and Ivanovic will crumble as they have in the past.

Alongside this it has struck me how well both Serbian female players have improved in placing the ball, particularly passing shots. There are much fewer wild unforced errors (and much less of a sinking feeling for their fans) – particularly from Ivanovic. Another great sign is Ivanovic’s willingness to go to the net. For tennis purists its delightful to see a tall, strong player refuse the temptation to play a punishing baseline game and run the risk of becoming a one dimesnional player (a la Nadal). Instead Ivanovic has gone the more difficult route and has learned how to mix up her game with the volley and drop shot (the drop shot is particularly effective in Australia this year).

To win Ivanovic (only!!) has to do 2 things to beat Sarapova – she has to serve well and quickly and be prepared to get under the ball. A foolish statement? Not really, the new court surface in Melbourne is better suited for powerful returners of the ball. Ivanovic will hit winners and will likely break Sarapova’s serve. The problems will likely arise on her own serve so she will have to produce more aces to get herself out of jail when the time comes. The second point is also a reference to the court, it is medium fast, but crucially, the ball does not bounce as high. Taller players such as Ivanovic have problems with it and end up hitting balls into the net. Some balls hit into the net are basic returns. Ivanovic has to cut down on these errors or she will lose. Novak has surely provided additional inspiration for Ana in beating Mr Unbeatable. But it won’t be easy for Ana although we will all be rooting for her.

This following was written before Djokovic’s victory
Djokovic looks stronger than ever wiping out every opponent put in front of him this year, but can he match Federer? This will be as exhausting to watch as it will be to play. Sadly I havent had much of an opportunity to watch Djokovic at Australia but my impression is that Djokovic is very strong at the moment. Federer has lost a number of games and has looked vulnarable in Melbourne on occasion. But the slightest bit of doubt from his opponent has been punished mercilessly.

If both our players win their finals then we will probably feel obliged to do a feature on both players – a review of their finals, their background, their interests, a bit of gossip etc. And perhaps a little more on our less celebrated players such as Janko Tipsarevic. For now the tennis is doing the talking.

But for Serbia this is something of a dream come true, cathartic even – Novak and Ana – young, good looking, charismatic, positive and brilliant. Who cares if I’m getting carried away…

by Bganon (you can also read his previous analysys of Serbian tennis)

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