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Indian Wells Final: Djokovic-Federer Preview

By Nate Slaymaker

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Indian Wells Final: Djokovic-Federer Preview

Semifinal Saturday at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells did not hold many tense moments. Novak Djokovic demolished Andy Murray, 6-2 6-3. Likewise, Roger Federer had little trouble dispatching Milos Raonic, 7-5 6-4. The two best players in the world will face off for the coveted Indian Wells trophy on Sunday.

Many consider the Djokovic-Federer rivalry to be the greatest ever in the Open Era. The final on Sunday will be the 38th contest between the two greats, with Federer holding the slight 20-17 advantage. Novak Djokovic is the only player to have beaten Federer in every Grand Slam. Roger Federer is the only player to have beaten Djokovic in every Grand Slam.

Many consider the Djokovic-Federer rivalry to be the greatest ever in the Open Era.

The two players have great rivalries with other players on tour, specifically Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal, but no top rivalry is as evenly matched as these two champions. Any time they meet, it is a toss up as to who will come out on top and there are hardly ever any lopsided affairs. Djokovic defeated Federer to capture the Indian Wells title last year in a three set thriller. Federer just beat Djokovic three weeks ago to capture his seventh title in Dubai.

These two players have owned the ATP Tour this year. Djokovic won the Australian Open going away. Though Federer went out early in Melbourne, he has not lost a set since. Federer will not be playing next week at the Miami Masters, so this is his last chance to make a statement and earn valuable ranking points heading into the clay court season.

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We have seenDjokovic play amazing tennis before, but we have not see him stay at this level so consistently over such a long period of time. Djokovic is the perfect tennis player. He has the speed. He has the endurance. He can defend better than anyone and quickly turn that defense into offense. Djokovic can hit an offensive shot from any position on the court. His flexibility is unmatched. Djokovic serve is much improved and his groundstrokes can’t be beat.

Federer is the best player to ever grace a tennis court. The smoothness of his game is unparalleled. His serve and forehand are intricately accurate and his movement is graceful. Federer is also the best at strategizing and adapting his game to the task at hand. Age has not yet caught up to the Swiss champion. He is ready for the challenge.

So how will the match play out? Tennis fans can sit back and enjoy. It is surely to be a tight one. Each player has the grit to keep fighting even if they get down in a set. Federer was triumphant on the very fast courts in Dubai. The slower courts in the California desert cause higher bounces and more recovery time. The conditions favor Djokovic. He will not run away with the victory, but he will take home the title in the end.

Next: Indian Wells Women's Final Preview

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