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Novak Djokovic just beat Roger Federer in one of the best tennis matches you'll see all year
The Paris Masters semifinal between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic promised quality tennis, and it did not disappoint.
Novak Djokovic just beat Roger Federer in a three hour epic in Paris.
Federer came agonisingly close to snapping his old rival's winning streak, but Djokovic held his nerve in the Paris Masters semifinal to make it 22 wins in a row.
A meeting between Djokovic and Federer represented two of the greatest talents in tennis — both current, and historically-speaking.
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The match promised much, and delivered from the off as Djovovic gave fans a glimpse of what was in store in the very first set, needing 71 minutes to overcome Federer 7-6(8-6).
In Djokovic's own words to Sky Sports, the pair went "toe-to-toe" as Federer showed extraordinary quality in keeping the match so close against the sport's most in-form player. This was a match between two heavyweight greats of the game, and they slugged it out like they were Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
Federer's classic one-handed point-winners, and the incredible accuracy from Djokovic, who smashed irresistible forehands from range, combined to make this must-see TV.
Watch an awesome Federer shank shot below:
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And see Djokovic's precision right here:
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Federer came back in the second set winning 5-7, but lost the third 7-6(7-3) with a double fault near the death costing him a place in Sunday's final.
Watch Djokovic win below:
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"When you lose a close match like this you always have regrets," Federer, who remains one title shy of 100 career trophies, told the crowd, according to the Washington Post. "Losing is never fun, so that’s why I guess I have this face right now."
Djokovic told Sky Sports: "It was a spectacular match and one of the best of my career against him."
Djokovic now progresses to the Paris Masters final and will play Karen Khachanov, an athlete he beat on his path to the 2018 Wimbledon Championships title.
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