BASEL, Switzerland – Top-ranked Roger Federer lost his hometown tournament on Sunday, falling 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 to Novak Djokovic in the Swiss Indoors final.
Djokovic earned his fourth tournament win of the season with a victory that ended Federer’s run of three straight titles at the event.
“It’s disappointing to lose at home in the finals, no doubt,” Federer said. “I thought I missed plenty of opportunities. I’m not looking for excuses. He played tough and he played well when he had to, and saved a ton of break points that were crucial.”
Djokovic improved to 3-2 this year against Federer, who he called the best tennis player.
“I have to produce something special to win,” Djokovic said at sold-out St. Jakobshalle. “I think I played one of the best matches of the year.”
The second-seeded Serb clinched the first set by saving five break points in a game that lasted 24 minutes.
“It may be the longest I have ever played in my life,” Djokovic said. “It was maybe the turning point in the whole match. I was fortunate to keep my nerves.”
Federer fought back from a break down to win the second set and rouse his partisan fans.
Djokovic raced to a 4-0 lead in the decider, and closed out the victory after Federer wasted three break points in the sixth game. (AP)