2020 Australian Open – Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne
When is Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic on and what time does it start? Thursday 30th January, 2020 – TBC (UK)
What is the expected weather for Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic? Sunny, 36c
What channel is Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic on? The 2020 Australian Open will be televised on Eurosport so it is worth checking their schedule for this specific match
Where can I stream Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic in the UK? Sky customers can stream this match on the Sky Go app. Alternatively, the match can be streamed to subscribers of Eurosport Player, either on the official website or as an add-on to an Amazon Prime subscription
Where can I get tickets for Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic? Click here to reach the official 2020 Australian Open ticket selection
Who won the last meeting between Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic? Roger Federer beat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3
THE LOWDOWN
ROGER FEDERER
- 38-year-old Roger Federer played out an amazing quarter-final with American grafter Tennys Sandgren, saving a remarkable seven match points from the world number 100 before winning the decider.
- Six-time former Australian Open champion Federer has not yet looked in the kind if form he’d hope at this tournament, which speaks volumes for his star quality in coming through to his 15th semi-final in Melbourne.
- Federer has a long and storied history with both his semi-final opponent Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, and is currently the most recent victor over both of them after his straight-sets masterclass over Djokovic at the ATP Finals last November.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
- Novak Djokovic was business-like as usual in a straight-sets quarter-final win over Milos Raonic as he defended well to diffuse the Canadian’s big serve in a flat match on Rod Laver Arena.
- The reigning champion appeared to have difficulty with a contact-lens towards the end of the third set but that did not stop him from coming through a tiebreak before paying respects to the tragic passing of his friend Kobe Bryant in his post-match interview.
- Djokovic leads the head-to-head record with Federer 26-23 with his last victory over the Swiss coming in the five-set final of Wimbledon last year in one of the greatest Grand Slam finals of all time.
THE PREDICTION
There are several outside factors to consider for the next instalment in the legacy of matches played between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Both players exhibited discomfort in their quarter-final matches, although Djokovic’s contact-lens issue is of less concern than Federer’s potential groin problem that forced him to leave the court for a medical time-out in the third set. Furthermore, temperatures as high as 39c are predicted for Thursday in Melbourne, with 31c set for 9pm when this match is likely to be underway. Both players will feel the heat but this alone should put Roger Federer at a disadvantage, having come through two five-set matches in his last three rounds at the Australian Open. However, as Federer later reflected, his clutch victories en route to this semi-final could benefit him if he can play without pressure, while Djokovic is yet to be truly challenged here.
Their most recent match at the ATP Finals was a wonderful performance from Roger Federer helped on by a lacklustre Djokovic, but their previous battle saw five hours of pure tennis artistry on Wimbledon’s Centre Court. This match has all the makings of another five-set epic, if the conditions do not punish them too much, and looks to be one of those that could go the Swiss’ way in straight-sets but Djokovic’s in five. The way this tournament has played out so far, it could be past the three-hour mark before a win here and that will suit the fitter, more in-form Novak Djokovic.
