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“Salty”: Novak Djokovic’s Fan Takes a Cheeky Dig at Roger Federer, Proves Nole To Be Best Returner of All Times

Published 07/15/2021, 4:52 AM EDT

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For over a decade, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have dominated the men’s tennis circuit heavily. While the Swiss maestro is renowned for his exquisite service and style, the Serbian ace earned the ‘best returner’ title. But once upon a time, Federer did not believe that about Djokovic.

Ten years ago, two of the current 20 Grand Slam champions competed in the US Open 2011 semifinal. During the fifth set of that match, Federer had two match points in his bag and looked comfortable to go in the final. However, what came then was a ridiculous forehand winner from Djokovic that changed the entire face of that battle.

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Following that, the Basel-born lost the match 6-7, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 in three hours and 51 minutes. Moreover, he did not accept the defeat in his post-match press conference, calling the return a “lucky shot.” Now, a Djokovic fan has now complied an answer for what Federer had said that day.

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Novak Djokovic’s fan answers Roger Federer 10 years after the US Open 2011 semifinal

In the post-match conference, Federer had expressed his disappointment explicitly. Of course, he did not want to lose, but he could not wrap his mind around the wild shot Djokovic produced.

“It’s just the way he returns that… it’s just not – a guy who believes much, you know, much anymore in winning. Then to lose against someone like that, it’s very disappointing because you feel like he was mentally out of it already, you know. Just gets the lucky shot in, and off you go,” Federer had said.

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After all this time, a fan has compiled a video of four Djokovic returns to Federer, all of a similar fashion, with the caption “Federer a little salty.” 

Ultimately, Djokovic went on to become the player who has defeated Federer the most. Apart from that, his return ability improved exponentially, and gradually, he became the greatest comeback king of tennis.

Most recently, the Serbian ace stole the Wimbledon 2019 title from Federer in the final. Serving at 40-15 for the Championship, the Swiss maestro lost to the impeccable resilience of Djokovic.

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Further ahead, the duo might come one on one again at the Rogers Cup 2021. Without any doubt, they will also both want to win the US Open again.

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Who has the better chance of winning the US Open 2021, Federer or Djokovic?

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Written by:

Purav Joshi

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Purav Joshi is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having a degree in Films, Television and Media Production, he guided his passion for writing and journalism into the sport of aces and rallies. With over 2 years of experience as a copywriter, Purav has authored over 500 tennis articles.
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