The Federer vs Djokovic rivalry is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and dramatic in tennis history. It’s a decade of international glitz and glamour, the epitome of a collision of style, personality, and strategy. Tennis, especially at the Grand Slams, has been shaped by this to a visible extent. Therefore, let’s explore the fundamentals of this legendary Federer vs Djokovic head to head rivalry, including their respective styles of play, historic games, and the contributions they have made to the game.
Federer vs Djokovic
Former world number ones Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have met 50 times, with Djokovic presently winning 27-23. Federer was ahead 13–6 from the beginning of the rivalry at the end of 2010. Later in 2018, Djokovic crossed the finish line ahead of Federer.
As a result, Djokovic and Federer have played in a number of high-profile matches throughout the years, the most memorable being the 2019 Wimbledon final, which was the longest in the Wimbledon history. It was won by Djokovic. They have competed in the finals of the 2010 US Open, 2011 US Open, and 2011 French Open, as well as the 2014 and 2015 Wimbledons.
Since 2007, the Serbian and Swiss have played 17 Grand Slam matches. Djokovic is the only player to have beaten Federer in all four majors, and Federer is the only player to have defeated Djokovic in all four.
Djokovic vs Federer Stats
Let’s see the comparison statistics between these two legends.
| Factor | Roger Federer | Novak Djokovic |
| Age | 42 | 36 |
| Birth Date | August 08, 1981, | May 22, 1987, |
| Nationality | Switzerland | Serbia |
| Weight | 85 Kg | 77kg |
| Height | 6’1″ | 6’2” |
| Turned Pro | 1998 | 2003 |
| Years on Tour | 24 | 20 |
| Plays | Right-Handed | Right-Handed |
| Backhand | One-Handed | Double-handed |
| ATP Ranking | – | 5 |
| YTD W/L | 0/0 | 23-5 |
| Career W/L | 1251/275 | 1012-204 |
| YTD Titles | 0 | 3 |
| Career Titles | 103 | 96 |
| Career Prize Money | Approximately $130.6 million (As of 2022) | $180 million |
Djokovic vs Federer Head to Head
The rivalry between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic began as one part of a four-man show and later evolved into one of the most renowned in men’s tennis.
The two champions have faced off 50 times. With this, their rivalry is now the second most frequent one on the ATP Tour during the Open Era, after the Serb’s rivalry with Rafael Nadal. However, in Grand Slam history, the most fruitful rivalry is that between Federer and Djokovic. Since 2007, they have played 17 Slam matches.
They met for the first time on the Tour in the second round of the 2006 Monte-Carlo Masters 1000. The nearly 18-year-old Serb was defeated in three sets (6-3, 2-6, 6-3) by the then-world No. 1 Federer, who was 24 years old. Federer had already won seven Grand Slam titles at that point in time.
Federer held a lead over Djokovic until the conclusion of 2015. He defeated their first four opponents. Djokovic’s first victory over Federer came in the Canadian Masters 1000 final in 2007. Federer lost to him in three sets: 7-6, 2-6, and 7-6.
Djokovic led the head-to-head series in 2016, with a 21-10 record dating back to 2011. The Serbs have 27 victories over the Swiss, with 23 defeats.
In Grand Slams, Djokovic leads by 11 wins to 6.
Federer’s rivalry with Djokovic, which had previously lagged behind his rivalry with Nadal, gathered momentum following 2014. Before 2014, they had only met once in a Slam final. From 2014 to 2019, they competed in four Slam finals together, but the Swiss competed in only one final against Nadal and one against Serbia.
Federer vs Djokovic: Who is Better?
Comparing Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, two of tennis’s greatest players, sparks endless debate among fans and analysts. Federer, renowned for his graceful playing style, dominated early in his career and set records with his 20 Grand Slam titles, which helped him become one of the sport’s most beloved figures. His versatile skills, fluid technique, and long-standing dominance have defined tennis for years, inspiring countless fans and players alike.
Djokovic, meanwhile, has proven to be one of the most formidable competitors in tennis history. Known for his resilience, incredible flexibility, and mental strength, Djokovic excels in high-stakes matches. With a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles as of 2024, he has surpassed Federer and Rafael Nadal in Grand Slam wins, marking him statistically the most successful player in men’s tennis history.
Federer’s strengths lie in his elegance and precision, while Djokovic is celebrated for his relentless consistency, physical endurance, and strong defensive game. Federer’s early-career dominance earned him a place as a fan favorite, while Djokovic’s success in later years and ability to perform well against all top players have cemented his place as an all-time great. Ultimately, the question of “who is better” may depend on personal criteria—whether that be career titles, head-to-head performance, or overall influence on the sport.
Who has the Best Statistics?
According to statistics, Novak Djokovic is marginally superior to Roger Federer in several important areas, particularly head-to-head records, Grand Slam titles, and Masters 1000 titles. With 24 Grand Slam victories against Federer’s 20, Djokovic holds the record for the most Grand Slams in men’s tennis history. Due to his steady play in both Grand Slam and ATP tour events, Djokovic also has more titles than Federer in Masters 1000 tournaments. Djokovic has won their head-to-head matches on almost all surfaces, demonstrating his versatility and durability in various conditions. Federer is respected for his early dominance and flowing technique, and he has set records in consecutive weeks at the top of the rankings. However, Djokovic’s statistics highlight his current supremacy and all-around strength in a variety of high-stakes tournaments.
What is Their Greatest Match?
It’s difficult to choose just one match because Federer and Djokovic have generated so many exciting clashes. Federer’s offensive approach is a wonderful fit for Djokovic’s unbreakable defense. These are six iconic games involving the two powerful rivals.
2011 French Open Semi-final
An exceptional level of play, a magnificent scenario, and an outcome at nightfall: Federer and Djokovic’s 2011 Roland Garros semi-final is a masterpiece. Djokovic had been undefeated since the beginning of the year and was aiming for John McEnroe’s record of 42 wins in a single season. Over the course of two seasons, he even recorded 43 consecutive wins. In one of his best clay-court confrontations, Federer defeated Djokovic in four sets (7-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6), ending with an ace, although few were expecting a victory.
2019 Wimbledon Final
Undoubtedly one of the greatest matches in tennis history, the 2019 Wimbledon final featured an incredible two-hour-fifth set and a conclusion that will have a significant impact on the sport’s history. Roger Federer made history in July 2019 when he became the oldest man to win a Grand Slam singles title during the Open era.
In the fifth set, Federer rallied from a breakpoint, broke at 7-7, and earned two match points on his serve at 40-15. They were saved by Novak Djokovic, who retaliated. According to a new regulation adopted by Wimbledon officials, the two men must play a tie-break after 12 games each.
Djokovic won his 16th Grand Slam championship and denied Federer a 21st, more solidly than in the previous two tiebreaks. He won 7-6 (7-6), 1-6, 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 13-12 (7-3) over the Swiss master. The longest Wimbledon final in history is this match, which lasted 4:57 hours.
2010 and 2011 US Open Semi-finals
Novak Djokovic has survived two match points against Roger Federer in the Flushing Meadows semifinals for the second year in a row. In 2010, the Serb defeated Federer 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 to end a three-year losing streak in the US Open. Federer played outstandingly in 2011, leading two sets to love. However, Djokovic recovered and defeated the Swiss 6-7(7), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5. Federer made a stunning forehand return on his second match point.
2014 Wimbledon Final
This final was an amazing match for both Federer and Djokovic. In 2013, Federer returned to a Grand Slam final for the first time in two years following the most challenging season of his career. Djokovic hadn’t won a Grand Slam since the 2012 Australian Open. In a match with epic points, the Serb prevailed 6-7(7), 6-4, 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-4. Federer produced miracles twice: once in the first set tiebreak and again at the conclusion of the fourth. However, he lost his serve at the most inconvenient time, at 4-5 in the fifth set.
2018 Rolex Paris Masters Semi-final
Most likely, the most famous best-of-three sets between the two winners occurred at the 2018 Rolex Paris Masters semi final at the Accor Arena in Paris. Two of the greatest indoor tennis players in history faced off against Novak Djokovic, who prevailed 7-6 (6), 5-7, 7-6 (3). The Swiss squandered 12 breakpoints and committed numerous unforced errors in the final set tiebreak. Djokovic performed better in crucial moments, as he will at Wimbledon seven months later.
Federer vs Djokovic: Who is The Best in Grand Slams?
Roger Federer has 20 Grand Slam titles, whilst Novak Djokovic has 24. Djokovic made it to 37 Grand Slam finals, while Federer made 31. Federer has a 20-11 record in Majors finals, while Djokovic has a 24-13 record.
In their Grand Slam meetings, Djokovic leads 11-6.
- Djokovic is ahead 4-1 at the Australian Open, and they have only faced each other in the semifinals.
- In the semifinals of the French Open, Federer and Djokovic each won one match.
- Djokovic leads 3-1 at Wimbledon, with all three wins coming in the final.
- Federer and Djokovic are tied for three championships at the US Open and have met once in the final. Federer won the final in 2007, while Djokovic did so in 2015.
- Novak Djokovic has won his last six Grand Slam matches.
In 2012, Roger Federer defeated Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semifinals, marking his most recent Grand Slam triumph.
Are Federer and Djokovic Friends?
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic maintain a cordial relationship at a time when the media has become more influential and player relations have become more regulated. The Serb frequently shows his adoration for Roger Federer. Djokovic recently stated that “Tennis needs Roger Federer” after his Swiss adversary underwent knee surgery.
In a 2019 interview with Tennis World USA, Novak Djokovic discussed his connection with Roger Federer: “We have a very excellent relationship. We treat one another with respect. Okay, we’re not buddies, and we don’t have meals together. We are competitors and coworkers. It is challenging to maintain friendships while competing on a court.
Occasionally, the two celebrities would appear together at exhibitions. For example, they competed in a doubles match in the 2018 Laver Cup.
Additionally, they communicate frequently on social media. During the coronavirus pandemic in April 2020, Novak Djokovic volleyed into a wall in response to Roger Federer’s challenge. Djokovic has openly admitted to having a WhatsApp group with Federer and Nadal, though the Spaniard later clarified that they were not the only three members.
However, it appears that their bond is not as strong as Federer and Nadal’s. Roger Federer has been publicly criticized by Novak Djokovic’s father on multiple occasions. According to the Serbian daily newspaper “Kurier,” he stated in 2013 that “Federer is an outstanding tennis player, but I couldn’t say that about his humanity.” In 2020, the Swiss were attacked by Djokovic’s father for being “jealous” of his son.
At the start of Djokovic’s career, there was an air of animosity between the two players, such as when Federer criticized Djokovic for retiring against Andy Roddick at the 2009 Australian Open.
Buy Djokovic Tennis Equipment from GoTennis
Novak Djokovic has a tiny collection of tennis souvenirs that perfectly depict every aspect of his enthusiasm on the field. The majority of these goods are made by his longtime sponsor HEAD, which manufactures rackets, strings, and other equipment according to Djokovic’s rigorous standards.
In addition to his recognizable racket and bags, Lacoste was able to design Djokovic performance-enhancing equipment that is practical, cozy, and easy to breathe in while performing a range of tasks.
These comprise many of the other items that Lacoste has developed and produced in a collection, in addition to his recognizable racket and bags.
The complete line of Djokovic tennis gear is available at Go Tennis. Please visit our product category page to find any Djokovic merchandise.
Final Words
The Federer-Djokovic rivalry is more than just a duel of two top players; it represents the intersection of athleticism, mental toughness, and stylistic differences. With Federer’s career coming to an end, Djokovic’s legacy will live on as he strives to set new records, but their matches will be regarded as some of the best in tennis history.
This rivalry represents the peak of tennis excellence, and the spectacular matchups between Federer and Djokovic will inspire players and fans for years to come. Their status as two of the sport’s greatest legends is solid, having pushed the frontiers of competitive tennis and established their places in tennis history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is better, Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic ?
Based on their combined career wins, Djokovic has 97 victories, while Federer leads with 103.
Who has huge fans, Federer or Djokovic?
Unquestionably, Federer consistently has a larger global fan base than any other tennis player. He is revered as the tennis god.
