They're the Nos. 1- and 2-ranked players in the world; yet Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer took turns choking during the final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.
Tennis.com reported that Djokovic's 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-2 victory over Federer earned him his 50th career tournament title.
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal not biggest obstacles in Roger Federer's quest for No. 1?
The match was similar to that of the 2014 Wimbledon final between the combatants when Djokovic firmly had control of the match when his confidence mysteriously disappeared mid-match. But just like Wimbledon, he regained control late - thanks in part to Federer's own gaffe.
Djokovic seized control of the match, winning the first set for the first time in six matches against Federer.
Novak Djokovic blames Rafael Nadal for his career Grand Slam shortcomings
The Serb then had a 4-3 lead in the second set and was ahead 30-15 on his serve when his game suddenly derailed.
After a Federer return winner made it 30-30, Djokovic double-faulted, according to tennis.com, and the crowd erupted for Federer that unnerved Djokovic. He hit a forehand in the net that allowed Federer to get back on serve.
Djokovic recovered later in the set and still held a 5-4 lead in the tiebreak when he choked again. He missed four straight serves and found himself down 6-5 in the tiebreak on Federer's serve.
Federer served out the set and Djokovic was so upset that his hand was shaking while he was trying to hydrate during the changeover.
But the world's No. 1 found himself in the third set, while it was Federer who double-faulted on break point at 2-3 in the third set to return control of the match to Djokovic.
"The experience of playing many matches in the big stage and of this importance definitely helps in these particular moments to know what to play," he said. "The right shot, and stay calm and committed to the next ball. We are all humans. We all fall under pressure sometimes. Roger as well."
For Federer, the double-fault came at a frustrating time. The Swiss star played a match similar to his Australian Open third-round match against Andreas Seppi where he was trying to find his game the entire match.
He failed to win a point on Djokovic's first serve during the entire first set.
Tennis.com reported, "Federer didn't have the same conviction or consistency that he had in his last two matches; at 33, it's obviously tougher to peak, and then peak again the next day, than it is when you're 23."
When Federer lost the match, his frustration over his return game was most evident.
"I felt like I wasn't returning well enough," Federer said, "especially first serve. I know that's tough, but he was getting way too many free points. ... It's like, 'Where is that return on the first serve'?
"From my side it was a bit more up and down, and he was just more solid. That's why he totally deserved to win today."
That the choke factor was in play during the final reminds us that even the best athletes in the world struggle to combat nerves.
Except these two have combined for 25 Grand Slam championships between them.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.