Novak Djokovic takes on Roger Federer in the semifinal of the US Open 2011. A four-hour, five-set thriller that will go down in history! Don't miss a moment of the US Open! Subscribe now! bit.ly/2Pdr81i
2:58:26 that face expression tells you everything about the shot that is about to come. The tournament, the opponent, the crowd, the double matchpoint, what a moment. For me that is the definition of Djokovic.
I watched it live but didn't remember Djokovic's expression before the return. It was obvious Djokovic was psyching himself up for a big shot, and totally refutes Federer's whiny statement that it was a "lucky shot". And he totally read that wide serve and just caned it.
Indeed, as a Fedal fan, I feel nothing but respect for Novak Djokovic as a tennis player. I also feel he's a bit misunderstood as a person (even though he has done some thinks I don't like, nobody's perfect, even Roger and Rafa have made mistakes in their lives). Also, I don't feel like Roger and Novak don't like each other, I know there used to be tensions between their respective families but I don't feel themselves are tensioned with one another.
This lives is your head only, there was many times where federer was up 40.15 to nole after that and won it! and novak has to put up a winner also, that's no breaking someone mind lol... @@mambi74
@@nathangold5759 Djokovic definitely has a wild side to him that neither Nadal or Federer has, sort of like a daring poker player who goes all-in with nothing.
To me, this is by far federers biggest choke. In 2010, he did have two match points, but Djokovic just went nuclear in those two points and started hitting shots that simply have no answer. Whereas in 2011, Novak did hit the greatest return of all time (hard to argue with that), however federer still had ANOTHER match point after, forehand straight into the net, then a double fault then eventually he got broken. This is a much bigger choke than Wimbledon 2019 and us open 2010 as Novak just went for shots during those match points. Have to respect Novak’s mental strength in these matches (Nadal fan!). Also, the face novak makes before hitting the return has to be the most boss move in the history of tennis. Crowd against him, on the verge of defeat and he’s like ‘okay you want me to lose ? Fine’ and the smile before the second match point as well. Respect to all these legends.
Yes I think he was saying, "If I'ma go outta here, I'ma do it in style," and if Nole had gone on to lose then he would go up to the net and congratulate Roger and then give the crowd a nice smile as he walks off court. Here's how I would rank Federer's 3 "chokes" against Novak: 2011 (definitely a choke; no arguments needed) 2019 (you could argue that it was a choke or that it wasn't a choke) 2010 (not a choke in the slightest; besides it was Novak serving)
@@viksinha5410 yes I agree 100%. It still confuses me to this day why federer was so affected by the Novak return as if he didn’t have another match point on his serve to the point where he called it a lucky shot in the press conference. Yh, those losses are very close to this in terms of choke, but I think this is just another level for someone like federer. Just to completely breakdown on the brink of victory and ending arguably the greatest season in tennis history (Novak’s 2011).
@@MrCoDeYY True but do keep in mind: this was Novak Djokovic in 2011. It’s better to lose to 2011 Djokovic than freakin Kevin Anderson and Juan Martin Del Potro. Federer should be beating those guys with ease.
@@viksinha5410 also true. But Wimbledon is where most upsets happen because of how effective serving is. So it’s kinda understandable. But I feel like in the future when nadal and Djokovic surpass federer (which they probably will) he’s going to look back at all these missed opportunities and wonder what if
I remember watching this as a 15 year old. I absolutely loved how Novak fought back and had to fight to win the crowds love in the 5th set.. Clapping for his faults? Geez.. I was on the edge of my seat but I somehow felt he wasn’t going to go down after fighting so hard to level the match..
My son started to love tennis and Novak on 2019 after the 15-40 in Wimbledon, he was 9 YO and we were watching the match on the border of the couch...amazing....he is a NOLE fan now as his mum....
"Roger Federer has double match point. Someday the little twins will grow up to hear about matches like this" "Daddy, can you tell us what happened in US Open 2011?" "NO"
Novak Djokovic's mental strength is so impressive. Going on to beat Nadal in the Final after this epic match against Federer! Looking forward to this! 👍
@@masters.1000 Mental strength does nothing for you when you're physically outmatched. Nadal is a freak of nature on clay, the likes we will never see again.
@@ambikeyamohapatra2482 Lol. That struck a chord? They've only met twice at the AO; in 2012, Rafa was extremely close to winning, in 2019 he didn't have a chance as he was coming back (yet again) from injury and 4+ months without competition and Novak played the match of his life. But if you want to talk hard court majors, incidentally, Rafa is 2-1 vs Novak at the USO. And yes, probably everyone fears facing Novak at the AO. :)
@@guruk Which one is the metal that Cap's shield is made of, and which is the metal that scratches his shield? With his unshakeable defense and self-belief, Novak has the nerves of Cap's unbreakable shield, with his GOAT offense/ballsiness, Petros has the nerves of the metal that cut an unbreakable shield.
I think that 3-5, 15-40, 5th set defines all Djokovich's greatness. Coming from behind two sets, facing two match-points down, all the crowd chanting for Roger, returning that incredible ball and still receiving NO support from the crowd, and above that, winning the match. If that is not greatness, what it is? 2:58:18
@@JL-fh4qw Too true. The Djoker said himself in the press conference that he got lucky. But there's no point in banging in about it...since everyone who isn't a Federer fan simply *_revels_* in the schadenfreude of the Fed losing after having MPs. It's not easy for us Fed fans to understand or cope with (especially knowing that this match, like 8-9 out of every 10 matches against the Djoker, was on the Fed's racquet), but that's way the cookie's crumbled and it's hurt Fed fans more than perhaps the Fed will ever know. Like a very clear-eyed Fed fan said, Fed ought to have won Wimbledon 2019 not for himself so much as FOR HIS FANS. I'm afraid he did them a great disservice that day by losing. That said, I do believe that if (a *huge* IF) his knee heals well enough for him to get back to, say, about 90% of his 2017 form, he'll win at least one more major - simply because it's time the luck went with his fans (and him) rather than against them. 😊
This match changed the career of Novak. The courageous return winner off Feds first match point speaks volumes of what Novak is going to achieve. Bravo Novak!
In a certain way this match changed also Roger's carrier. I think that never left his mind. And is still inside him. Of course...what happened 8 years later (similar 40:15 story) gave him the rest.
with 8 year difference I don't thinks lives in his mind, he actually won novak in the next Wimbledon after this! it only novak fans who think is somewhat of achievement, but far from true,, how about put in the equation the age gap @@begyu
What's going on inside your head, man? Are you serious?? Yes...he won against Djokovic at Wimbledon (2012) after this US Open match. But...who cares about this, considering the epic defeates that followed in 2014 & 2015 and especially in 2019 (the famous 40:15 story)! Just imagine...having 2 (TWO!!) match points at your most favourite and world's famous tournament, and you get smashed like a kid. This is like having a penalty in WC football final, last action of additional time...and missing it! Federer never really recovered from this. @@carlosdflorentin9873
@@archiesutherland6127 That second serve was 97 mph, that's only 11 mph slower than the one at the end, plus it had a bigger spin and was better placed. So that return was pretty much the same difficulty to pull off, if there is any difference it's very minor. FYI, aces on second serve do happen, assuming that any second serve is automatically easy to return is a pretty simpleton take.
2:58:44 THAT forehand!!! Federer and others attempted to put the shot down to luck, that Nole took a carelessly large cut at the ball and basically fluked it, but as you can see the forehand is simple evidence of his mentality, namely, continue to play at high level absolutely regardless of situation, doesn't seem to feel pressure.
I can see why Federer said that but it's because Novak knows on big points Federer likes to go wide and then try and hit a forehand into the open court. It's just that Novak anticipated it.
The shot is iconic. What makes it even better are the moments leading up to it after the previous point for Federer. Djokovic's face, how he is dealing with double match point, everyone's anticipation of Federer going to win and then that. BOOM One of THE tennis moments
3:16:35 He said himself he was lucky. The gamble paid off and he deserved the win, but that was about as much talent as it was luck, Federer on the other hand choked so hard he never defeated Novak in a GS game again except for Wimbledon 2012.
@@nils1953 Well I think both you and Glen Chun can be right on this one. Maybe Djokovic said in his mind "If Roger goes wide, I'll slap it cross court as hard as I can. Let's see what happens." And then he was lucky it went in.
As a life long Nole’s fan, it’s so satisfying to watch the 5th set when Nole was 2 match point down. I feel sorry for Roger, but at the same time I’m so proud of Nole
I am not sorry for Federer at all. The way Federer "congratulated" Djokovic for the win in the 2011 US Open Semifinals Press Conference was very arrogant. Also the crowd support is heavily in favor of Federer. I am glad Federer lost, Federer and his fans deserve it.
As much as I admire Federer as a player, I think Rafa and Nole are way more humble as people. But I always root for Nole because he doesn't get the crowd support that he deserves. He's never been respected by tennis fans since day one on tour.
My favorite Novak match ever. Really put him on the map to be an all time great. Was going for his 3rd slam of the year. This is back when Federer really did not like Novak. Hard to believe it has been 10 years. Watched this match while sitting in a bar outside of Pittsburgh. Out of around 12-14 people who were really watching the match, my girlfriend and I plus 2 girls from Greece were the only people pulling for Novak. The Greek girls were really getting rowdy. A real up and down match. 2-0 then 2-2 than Federer serving for the match with 2 match points. Electric crowd. Simply tennis at it's best.
Wooow... listen to that crowd in the 5th set... Similar to all their Wimbledon finals and we all know the outcomes... Imagine playing against your opponent and 99% of the crowd and you STILL win... 18 Grand Slams! I've always been saying that each Djoko Slam is worth twice! The real GOAT!
1. This was a classic match. 2. How on earth did Fed lose? 3. The 2011 USO is possibly Djoker's greatest GS win, given his unreal comeback in the pulsating 4 hour SF backed up by his victory in the brutal 4+ hour final, both of which were against 2 of the GOATs, and the fact that it was the last major title crowning his stellar 2011.
@@ruckfules9441 Yeah it was a shame that Rafa spent most of 2021 with a gimpy left foot (a flare-up of his Muller-Weiss syndrome), and you could see how much it was affecting him by the end of his RG 2021 semifinal vs Djoker. But he tried his best, as always.
@@mainemceachern1521 I shed a tear when he applauded the crowd put his head down and walked away. Mentally he was prepared to fight in the fourth and maybe 5th but his body gave up on him. 😔
Novak's 2012 AO win over Rafa is his greatest GS win ever. Novak has come back from down 40-15 three times vs. Fed (2010 USO, 2011 USO, 2019 Wimbledon). Those wins are as much about showing Roger's mental fragility as Novak's mental toughness. Novak's 6-hour 2012 AO Final slugfest with Rafa after Novak went 5 hours and 5 sets with Murray in the semis plus the fact Novak had one day fewer rest than Rafa is the greatest mental AND physical display in the history of tennis.
@@AlpinistForFreedom Nadal is winning more titles while playing in a more difficult era. 90% of Federer's winnings were done 2004-2007 where he didn't have any sort of competition. As soon as 2010's came Nadal and Djokovic dominated, while Federer won nothing.
@@mirkomarjanovic3234 The only titles Nadal win are French Open every year that's why he can compete with Djokovic and Federer. Relative to the other goats, he's just a clay court player and will always be behind those 2.
@Eren Jaeger ,prime Federer Vs prime Novak if they had never played each other Federer would win and even if they did it now technically in their prime I still think the margin would be big enough for s few chokes
I’m one of Nole’s fans who turn off my tv when Nole starts trailing in a match because I tend to feel that Nole plays bad because I’m watching it live. After around 1 hr I’ll check again, confident that Nole has turned the match around, & yeah he does it like 100% of the time
That legendary forehand return while down 2 match points just shut up the rowdy crowd at Arthur Ashe! He feeds on hate thrown at him and his name is Novak Djokovic. 👑👑👑
Even more impressive than saving those 2 match points is the way he then just goes on to dominate the remaining games. Unbelievable player with an even more unbelievable mentality. One of the GOAT sportsman for sure
I was there for this match live. The shots between the two were like Laser Rockets. US Open slowed down the courts from the next year on. When Fed lost, EVERYONE left the stadium SHELL SHOCKED!
Novak then showed that he will write the history of tennis, which no one will surpass. Some may not like him, but he will be the unsurpassed king of tennis. Thank you so much for this video of the legendary semifinal.
@@dgmobbdeep you cant be real with this one. The man is undisputed king of AO and he was banned from 2022 edition. Some people just dont use brains while writing on the yt.
Novak can neutralize Roger's biggest strength...his serve. Roger has perhaps the best serve in the game (combining accuracy and power) but Djoker knows how to find an opening and exploit it. Across five sets...you can bet he will find them. This is why Roger can still beat Rafa on occasion but hasnt beaten Novak in a decade at a Slam.
Since 2015 they have played each other 8times, fed has beaten nadal 7 times, depends on which surface they play, on a fast court and especially if its an indoor hard court, nadal stuggles big time,
A painful loss for Roger, that led to a very caustic post match interview by Federer. Unfortunately, Federer never learned to defend that side...ever, because he's been beaten so many time in the same manner by Novak. It's no fluke either, as you create your own 'luck'.
@@tomaskopolia1031 A few sour post-match interviews out of 275 losses is quite extraordinary! Easy to critique from the comment section! I'd be willing to bet you wouldn't even possess half of Roger's class and composure under similar circumstances!
I don't know. It was epic, but their French Open semi the same year was of much higher quality. To me, it marks the peak of their rivalry (maybe alongside W 19).
In my opinion, Federer isn't even in the GOAT conversation. He has had far too many epic collapses in the 5th set of a major final. GOAT'S don't do that multiple times.
Watch crowd reaction from 2:55. That's what Novak has to go through in every game against Fed and Nadal. And yet wins against them and also against the 95% crowd that opposes him. Mental beast.
Novak is the greatest tennis player to walk the face of the earth what a mental giant i was glad he won because the crowd was against him for sure and to beat nadal in final he is for sure the Goat of tennis 😁👍
After Novak hit that otherworldly forehand winner down two match points, you could visibly see Roger deflate like an old tire... The match was basically over right there. Incredibly gutsy shot by Djokovic. If it goes out, match over. That's what makes him so different from anyone else, the way he manages to play so freely in the most intense, pressure filled moments. Never seen anything like it and I've been a tennis fan for a long time.
How did I just find out that you've started uploading full matches from past years? I'm beyond happy right now, after years of struggling to find matches, listening to foreign commentary, and watching poor video quality. THANK YOU USTA & US OPEN! Whoever made this decision deserves a promotion.
My predictions for the comments: 1 percent about the match 5 percent about Djokovic's mental strength 10 percent about weak era 84 percent about 40-15, chokerer, etc.
@@milanvesovic1703 I think US Open 2015 was worse. That was active disrespect for Novak; cheering double faults and screaming when he was about to serve. I've never before seen a crowd behave like animals. At least in Wimbledon 2019 they just groaned when Novak won points (like the passing shot on the second match point and the last point of the match) and only booed him when he argued with the umpire. But still, both crowds were awful
First, there was Nadal who made Roger break down and cry, for beating him at his turf at Wimbledon and then at AO. Then here comes Novak, who gave him nightmares and sleepless nights in New York and England.
Lost first set after tie break... Went two sets down, on a verge to loose in straight sets.. Two match points down in the final set.. Thrashed peak Rafa in next match.. Nole u r a monster, beast, villain and the list goes on Thank you for existing Novak... Whenever I put myself in a tense situation I think about u gets a boost of havoc of confidence... The real badass in Tennis, Great Novak Djokovich
Djokovic is king of all situations coming up from two set down show the class fedreer can't handle pressure he just leave the match when Djokovic breaks in last set
As a Federer fan I refused to acknowledge Novak’s incredible nerve at the time. But just like his game, Novak has won over me through sheer grit. I will show my son the grace of Roger, but want him to have the courage of Djoker.
Djokovic has been No 1 in 2011, and now in 2023 also is No 1... What a player, whole generation will cross in that era, but Novak still No 1, my thing for all time is No 1...
@@jonathanlow1244 At this point, I think Roger has PTSD every time he has 40-15 match point against Novak in a Grand Slam. When he was up 40-15 during Wimby 2019, I had a creeping feeling that it would happen again. And it did. I really hope Roger breaks the cycle the next time he faces Novak in a grandslam. Miraculously, in 2017, Roger was able to get Nadal out of his head and start beating him in all of their non-clay matches. Nadal hasn't beaten Roger on a non-clay surface since 2014. I was hoping that Roger would be able to do the same to Novak and get Novak out of his head, but it looks like Novak is living there, rent-free. If Roger can put together another magical run at Wimby, beat Novak, and win his 21st slam, it would be truly magical.
I remember watching this match. facing match point with Fed serving for the match, Novak nodded his head as if to say, ok, this is it, don't panic....time to bare down and get to work. what does he do, he fires off a blistering return saving match point, and follows that up with another deep return with pace getting it to deuce......the look on Federer's face spoke volumes.. He was done.....that'swhen you knew, this young kid from Serbia with the heart of a lion was going to be something special..... just a great player..Go Nole!
