In the annals of tennis history, there are moments that define a player’s career, and for Novak Djokovic, one such moment came at the 2011 US Open. The Serbian sensation labelled his victory over Roger Federer at the semi-final of the US Open as his greatest win of the 2011 season, a year that is widely considered one of the greatest in tennis history. Djokovic had a 64-2 record for the year 2011 after the US Open in 2011, and won three Grand Slams.
Djokovic was clearly happy with the win against Federer and labelled it as his best of the season. The Serbian saved two match points on Federer’s serve, a feat he had achieved the previous year as well, before winning the game in five sets. He would go on to win the title, his first Grand Slam at the US Open.
Djokovic and Federer deliver a blockbuster semi-final
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer faced off in the semi-finals of the US Open 2011. Djokovic, who had been enjoying a stellar season, was facing off against the favorite Roger Federer in what promised to be a thrilling encounter.
Djokovic showcased his resilience by saving multiple match points and ultimately triumphing over Federer 6-7(7), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 in five sets. It was a grueling battle that lasted nearly four hours and took Djokovic’s amazing 2011 season to another level.
In the post match interview, Djokovic had said this was the ‘greatest win’ of an incredible 2011 for him. The Serbian went on to win three Grand Slams and had a 64-2 record win-loss ratio after the US Open 2011. The Serb mentioned that the way he won the game coming back from two sets down against a player like Federer pleased him the most.
“It was definitely the biggest win of this year, one of the biggest wins of the career, under the circumstances. Especially against Roger, when he is two sets up against you he doesn’t let you win. Roger was in control, he was playing better and then I switched gears and I managed to play much better in three sets.”
Novak Djokovic went on to beat Rafael Nadal in the US Open final to claim his third Grand Slam title of a brilliant season. The Serbian won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open having lost in the semi-final of the French Open to Roger Federer.
Breakthrough year for Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2011. After winning his first Grand Slam title in Australian Open 2008, the Serbian had to wait until to Australian Open 2011 to win another one. He then followed it up with elusive Wimbledon and US Open titles and announced himself to the world. Djokovic ended 2011 with a win-loss ratio of 70-6 and number 1 ranking in the world and it is still regarded as the greatest individual season in tennis history.
