SHANGHAI: Novak Djokovic said age was not slowing down Roger Federer after his straight-sets humbling by the 33-year-old Swiss great at the Shanghai Masters yesterday.
The Serbian world number one, 27, could only marvel as 17-time Grand Slam champion Federer downed him 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals to climb to number two in the rankings.
Federer’s win against the two-time defending champion also helped atone for his five-set loss to Djokovic in this year’s Wimbledon final.
“I think he’s playing as good as ever. I think age does not really matter in his case,” Djokovic said.
“This tonight is definitely one of the best matches he has played against me, that’s for sure... You know, every time I had a chance he just stepped in and made a winner,” he added.
Federer is six years older than Djokovic and also has four children. The Serb said he first priority now was to welcome his first child with his wife, Jelena.
“My plan is now to go back home and hopefully become a father,” he said.
Federer said thoughts of his near-elimination early in the Shanghai Masters helped propel him to yesterday’s victory.
The Swiss said he remembered the second round when he saved five match points against Leonardo Mayer.
“I was thinking about it midway through the match when I was up a set and a break going, ‘Hmm, should I be here or elsewhere? I’m here, let’s make the most of it,’” he said.
“I still remember how lucky I got. Clearly I feel very fortunate being in the tournament. But that’s sometimes how things go.
“Especially when you’re playing well, you’re confident, you believe, you’re happy. I’m mentally fresh from a vacation. I mean, that’s even more reason now to keep on trying to win the tournament.”
Federer will now return to world number two and he will be favourite for an 81st career title when he takes on Gilles Simon in today’s final. AGENCIES
