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 As the match reached its gripping climax, they cheered every point
Federer won and celebrated Djokovic's errors as the Serb dug deep to
eke out a 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4 triumph.
There may have been a time when Djokovic would have been unsettled
by his treatment but the world number one swallowed any resentment
and maintained his composure until he found himself kissing the
silver trophy for his 10 grand slam.
"I can't sit here and criticize the crowd," said Djokovic, who
crowned a brilliant season in which he won three grand slams events
and was runner-up in the fourth at Roland Garros.
"On the contrary, I think it's logical to expect that a great player
and a champion like Roger has the majority of the support anywhere I
play him.
"He absolutely deserves to have the support he does because of all
the years and success that he had and the way he carries himself on
and off the court. No question about it."
While Federer reached exalted status with his collection of an
all-time record 17 grand slam titles, Djokovic is now the player
dominating the men's game.
He has won nine slams in the last five years, collecting the
Australian Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles in 2011 just as he
has this year, and has held down the number one ranking in four of
the past five seasons.
The mellowed Djokovic said he appreciated this grand slam treble
even more than his 2011 breakthrough.
"I'm a different player, a different person today than I was 2011,"
he said. "As a father and a husband, experiencing a different
variety of things in my life, it's a completely different approach
to tennis today.
"I feel more fulfilled. I feel more complete as a player today than
I was in 2011. Physically stronger, mentally more experienced and
tougher as well."
Djokovic showed plenty of that toughness after he scraped his right
arm, the back of his right hand and right leg when he tumbled to the
ground in the first set, after a three-hour delay due to rain, but
carried on regardless.
TREMENDOUS RESPECT
Federer had not dropped a set in the entire tournament but Djokovic
wiped out that distinction in 42 minutes.
[to top of second column] |
The Swiss great had lost only two break points in the tournament but
matched that number within his first four service games against one
of the game's greatest returners.
Djokovic, meanwhile, saved 19-of-23 break points held by Federer and
rose up to cash in on six of his 13 opportunities in the final.
He was up by two breaks in the final set, only to see Federer roar
back to break him once and threaten again in the final game before
the Serb finally secured victory in a little less than three and a
half hours.
"Today I was serving at 5-2 in the fourth set and Roger showed why
he is a champion and... making me play to the last point," Djokovic
said.
"I have a tremendous respect for Roger and what his game is
representing to me and any other player."
The win puts Djokovic level with Bill Tilden on 10 slams. Next up
are Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg on 11. Then Roy Emerson at 12, and Rafa
Nadal and Pete Sampras with 14, just below Federer.
"I'm obviously flattered and honored to be a part of an elite group
of players, legends of our sports," the Serb added.
"I'm 28. I have always valued the care for my body, and my mind and
had this holistic approach to life.
"I will continue on with the same kind of lifestyle, same kind of
approach. I think that kind of approach brought me to where I am
today.
"Hopefully, this kind of approach will give me longevity and that I
can have many more years to come, and as I said, many more
opportunities to fight for these trophies."
As for winning Federer-like adulation with the crowds, he said: "I'm
there to earn the support and hopefully in the future I can be in
that position."
(Editing by John O'Brien)
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