Federer: Ties with Djokovic normal
Source: AFP |
July 6, 2012, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
ROGER Federer insisted on Wednesday that he has long buried the hatchet with Novak Djokovic after the two were involved in some disputes.
Federer and Djokovic will meet for the 27th time in the Wimbledon semifinals today, the latest chapter in a sometimes stormy, often thrilling six-year rivalry. The Swiss star, a six-time Wimbledon winner, will face the defending champion for the first time on grass, but it's their past history which has added spice to their duels.
Federer admitted that his opinion of Djokovic hit a new low in 2006 when Switzerland played Serbia in the Davis Cup. Djokovic beat Stanislas Wawrinka in five sets, but he infuriated Federer for repeatedly summoning the trainer.
The Swiss great at that time dismissed the Serb as a 'joke'.
Federer once also criticized Djokovic's parents at Monte Carlo, claiming their support of their son was too enthusiastic. But six years on from the infamous Davis Cup clash, Federer insists that the pair now enjoy a cordial relationship.
"I was just upset at him calling the trainer out for no obvious reason against my buddy, Stan, in a five setter," said Federer.
"That was it. We had a quick chat about it in Madrid after that, and things are cool since a long time between me and him. I've always respected him.
"Have I gone out for dinner with him? No. But we have had many meetings at the players council, and then now with the grand slams. He's been nice to work with. We've met on several occasions because of other things together.
"I have no issues with him."
Djokovic also insisted that he has nothing but respect for Federer, the 16-time grand slam winner.
In a late match on Wednesday, Andy Murray survived a gruelling examination from Spain's David Ferrer to reach the semifinals for the fourth successive year with a 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). Murray took three hours and 52 minutes to finally subdue the gritty Ferrer on Centre Court and will be up next against French fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Federer and Djokovic will meet for the 27th time in the Wimbledon semifinals today, the latest chapter in a sometimes stormy, often thrilling six-year rivalry. The Swiss star, a six-time Wimbledon winner, will face the defending champion for the first time on grass, but it's their past history which has added spice to their duels.
Federer admitted that his opinion of Djokovic hit a new low in 2006 when Switzerland played Serbia in the Davis Cup. Djokovic beat Stanislas Wawrinka in five sets, but he infuriated Federer for repeatedly summoning the trainer.
The Swiss great at that time dismissed the Serb as a 'joke'.
Federer once also criticized Djokovic's parents at Monte Carlo, claiming their support of their son was too enthusiastic. But six years on from the infamous Davis Cup clash, Federer insists that the pair now enjoy a cordial relationship.
"I was just upset at him calling the trainer out for no obvious reason against my buddy, Stan, in a five setter," said Federer.
"That was it. We had a quick chat about it in Madrid after that, and things are cool since a long time between me and him. I've always respected him.
"Have I gone out for dinner with him? No. But we have had many meetings at the players council, and then now with the grand slams. He's been nice to work with. We've met on several occasions because of other things together.
"I have no issues with him."
Djokovic also insisted that he has nothing but respect for Federer, the 16-time grand slam winner.
In a late match on Wednesday, Andy Murray survived a gruelling examination from Spain's David Ferrer to reach the semifinals for the fourth successive year with a 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). Murray took three hours and 52 minutes to finally subdue the gritty Ferrer on Centre Court and will be up next against French fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
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