Agree. Djokovic is likely to win it in 3.

^^^ oh no, jinx again.

grow up, mate

Slight edge Nole.
I am more inclined to think he would prevail against Roger than against Andy.

I think Nole is a lot tougher than Murray, mentally. He's also a better player, IMO, in playing the big points well, like Rafa. This is something Murray has to learn to do, something all the other three top four guys do so well (eg Murray vs Rafa third set tiebreak at WTF 2010 SF; Murray vs Nole second set tiebreak at Shanghai final). Murray seems to be risk adverse, playing more conservatively during big points. He may have more varieties than Nole, but IMO Nole is a better player and that's why he's no.1 in the ranking.

I'm not sure Nole has a slight edge here, it depends on which Fed shows up to play, IMO. If that Fed of 2010 WTF shows up, then I'm sorry, Nole won't beat him. In fact no one beats Fed if he plays like that on an indoor hard court; maybe on a very fast one aka, Paris Masters 2010, guys playing like Monfils then, or even a Llodra, could beat him. If Fed plays like he did against Delpo, then Nole may have the edge.

My instinct would be to pick Nole here. I agree with lucky that Nole is tougher than Murray and plays the big points better. He kept his cool after losing that first set to Delpo. He didn't panic even when his form seemed to drop. He got himself together and came back strong in the second set and then closed it out in three. This is the biggest difference I see in the Nole of 2012. When he is down, he doesn't fall apart. He can work his way out of difficulties.

I do not think Murray is there yet when it comes to playing big in the key moments of a match. He has to be more aggressive in the tight spots.

This could go either way. Fed loves this surface and his results attest to his success here. It's tough to bet against him. But if Nole can stay tough and play his game, then I can see him winning in three sets.

I think Fed will be more motivated now after defeating Andy. Fed in 2 or Djoko in 3

Fed shocked us once again but the win was far from vintage Fed. Anyway its a tough one to call! Logic says Nole to win as he has been relentless since the US Open defeat but you never know when Fed turns it on.... May the deserving and hungry man win!!!!

I think whoever wins the first set is going to win the match. Neither of them is looking unbeatable. Hope its an evenly contested final. But with Fed these days its hard to tell which one will turn up - the one from Cincinnati final or the one from Rome semis.

i think whoever wins the last set is going to win the match.

croc: is that a typo or sarcasm?

Federer in 3 6-3 2-6 6-3.

Netcord: Federer always brings his A+ game to the slams and the WTF is held to be the fifth slam by some people.

I agree with tennismania @ 7:13 AM. It was a classic ruthless win by Fed but not his best tennis. For starters the lst service % was only average (as it has been most of this week) and with just 2 aces (poor by his standards) and interestingly he only scored 4 more outright winners than Andy.

#StatsTellOnlyHalfTheStory

What was so impressive was the way he hung with Andy in the long rallies even when pulled from side to side - often forcing the error from Andy - and his lucidity in shot selection to win the big points when needed. Also he sensed immediately when Andy started doubting himself and seized the moment to grab the momentum.

Neither he nor Nole have played their absolute best tennis so far in this tournament but they both have an uncanny ability to pluck a win seemingly from nowhere which makes it hard to call the result.

I'm going with Nole for the win in 3 very tight sets.

Addendum: The WTF is held to be the fifth slam by some people (notably Federer fans) who hold it in higher regard than the Olympic Gold in singles.

#MatterOfOpinion

"Addendum: The WTF is held to be the fifth slam by some people (notably Federer fans) who hold it in higher regard than the Olympic Gold in singles."

As it should be, considering the players actually have to WORK to get into it, as opposed to a GS where every player has a chance, they just have to show up. Hence why it is the year end, best of the best. It's at least much more entertaining to me than the AO. The top 8 are the same top 8 you'd expect in a GS QF/SF any way...

I clearly did not make my meaning clear. I was saying that Federer WILL bring his A+ game to the final because it is often referred to as the 5th Slam and everybody knows he can be relied upon to deliver his best: that's what he does when it is a slam. What some dont agree with is that its not as significant on a player's CV as winning a Slam and not everybody holds it in such high regard.

For example, had Murray won the WTF before winning the USO he would still have been labelled as a Non Slam Winner. Winning the WTF would not have been regarded as a substitute or, as you imply, even better than winning a Slam. Nalbandian is probably better known as having lost to Leyton Hewitt in a Wimbledon final than for beating Federer to win the 2005 WTF.

Dont get me wrong: winning this six times during the past 9 years is an amazing record but to me it is not on a par with his other achievements. If he does win tonight it will mean more records for the history book so good luck Roger.

the 5th slam is Miami

The 5th slam is Monte Carlo. Lol

#Rafa Kool-Aid Drinker and die-heard Armada bandwagon driver

it's St. Petersburg, to be honest

Since there is no Fifth Slam it remains a moot point which of the two is regarded as the notional 5th.

Bit slow on the uptake this evening. Hadn'trealised you were being facetious Ricky.

Congratulations to Lopez/Granollers for winning the WTF as the lowest seed, beating the top seed in the 1st RR.

#Rafa Kool-Aid drinker and die-heard armada bandwagon driver

what?

It's not often one gets the chance to watch the men's doubles. Really enjoyed following the progress of Granollers and Lopez this week.

Bravo to the Spanish team and best of luck when you get to Prague.

Excitement mounts :-)

I bet all Djoko and Fed fans are biting their nails. As a neutral observer, I hope we get a cracker of a nail biting match that is unable to be predicted till the last point :-)

As I thoughtt, Federer's wishes are being obeyed - no reference to his world ranking as he entered. Couldn't help noticing he made no effort to put the little girl at her ease and held her hand as though she were a rag doll whereas Nole made the small boy's evening by smiling warmly and patting him on the shoulder as he left.

Djoker has won a point!

lol

Novak wins a game!

Novak warming up, Fed holding still but his 1st serve % dropping

Don't get too carried away, guys. It's early days yet, this is tennis, it's not over until the fat lady sings.

Bck on serve.predictable..the minute Novak started warming..Feds 1st serve % started dropping.

Just woke up, its 4.30am! Seems to be a good match already.

Federer playing high level tennis from the start. He will make Novak work very hard.

OnTheRise..hes world No 2..isnt it obvious one will have to work hard to beat him? :-)

The difference between yest and today is Nole wont fold like Murray and gift wrap the match ..he will fight and Fed knows that too well.

Why is Djokovic bending again and again? Something wrong ?

Federer's shanking is going to lose him the match.

Both men showing signs of nerves. Hardly surprising.

Ok Federer is working hard now..

that ninth game was massive

YES!!!

relentless pressure by Djoko..what a fghter he is

3 0 down and now servng for match

^^^No so fast, sanju.....for the set.

sorry 4 set typo

and there down BP..this match is going back n forth like crazy

Back on serve. Come on!

Fed will win the 1st set now

Oh noooo..

Pressure back on Djoko..80% Fed will win 1st set..but the match..cant say ..

woooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!! FEDERER!!!! C'MON!!! LOL :)

back and forth

Too cruel if he has wrecked his elbow. That was a very heavy fall.

he's fine

Novak is making way too many UE

So it would seem.

Crazy at set point!

I was referring to the elbow.................

That shot from Roger was inspired!

Very competitive match, as it should be.

Great first set. Still Roger for the win.

Cmon Fed after that mindblowing 2 gets to save set point, you finally make a loose error off ur backhand shanking it..Rudiculous

Novak wins 1st set

We all neutral fans have our moneys worth in this match..very nice match with largely good quality play

Roger should start packing his bags.


#Rafa Kool-Aid drinker and die-heard armada bandwagon driver".

Novak takes the 1st set, but I'm so impressed and happy with the FED!! WOW!!! C'MON!!!! :) Go FED go!!!! :) Great match...

crazy end to the set. pretty crazy set, period.

Phuuuuuaaauhh...what a set!!!
Beautiful tennis from both... real match between No1 and No2.
AJDE NOLEEEEE!!!

What a TB! Nole takes it

Unfortunate start to the 2nd set ;-(

WOW!!!
Even I applauded Roger on that shot when he saved the set point. It was pure magic. Phenomenal.

Nole has the advantage in 2nd of wrapping up 1st and servng ahead. But hes not making use of it. He is making too many UE and down a BP

Sir Shankalot is in the building.

nadline..to be frank..Fed is shanking at times but hes making far less UE than he usually does..Novak is making also many UE

Interesting tweet

Simon Cambers ?@scambers73
Great point by @LShirock that Federer sat on the wrong bench - the one reserved for the higher ranked player - and that Novak didn't like it

Sanju: You were saying Nole was making too many UEs - in fact Fed's count was much higher 23-14. it comes down to when they make them, no?

Just see the 1st game of 2nd set..too many UE by Novak..and he promptly dropped the game.

ed..Usually Fed has twice winners and twice UE..today I think hes still hitting a lil lesser

Djokovic appears ready for a third set

Its a psychological warfare out there and this match will only be won in the MIND

sanju: Fed 23 UEs 20 Winners Nole 14 UEs 11 winners. So yes, Fed nearly twice as many on both scores.

what on earth is happing with all the errors? eesh.

#PlayingCatAndMouse

3rd set is about to be whats happening

Nole is not playing well. He looks spent. He shouldn't be.

this could be one of the longest 3-setters of Federer's career

Turning point of the match???

No Ricky..forgot Olympics semi? Nothing will come close to it..but this one may well go to 3.5 hrs

I somehow get a feeling Fed is more fresher in the match getting into the 3rd set. Novak sumhow looks spent

Djokovic knows that Federer will shank himself out of the match.



#Rafa Kool-Aid drinker and die-heard armada bandwagon driver".

Set 1 repeated..lol..both culdnt serve out the set

Roger u have to bw kidding me. What up with 40-15 and then losing the game againt nole!!

well well well well well. look whats happening.

OnTheRise Djoko did it too..losing being 40-15 up

Andy lost being 40-0 up yesterday ;-)

Federer has won The Shanker of The Year Award.

shanks all over everywhere

Fed serving to stay in the match now

What!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats to Novak and fans. Roger your my CHAMP!!! LOVE ya! Thank you for a great match. :)

Novak! You are so mean. Congratulations!

YEEEEEES...YEEEEEES....
NO1 WITH STYLE.... IN 2 SETS!!!!!

Love it! Well done champ! You proved no.1 after all.

My god 3 shanks in the last game by Fed..horrible

Great job Novak..well deserved No 1 ..beating Fed indoors in straights

Fed will kick himself..3 0 up in 1st set, lost the set, serving for 2nd set and couldnt serve it out..that too indoors

Djoko didnt play great , too many UE but his relentless pressure and dogged spirit did it for him.

YES. Although it was handed to him on a plate.

This loss will hurt Federer a lot.



#Rafa Kool-Aid drinker and die-heard armada bandwagon driver".

It wasn't easy... Fed was respectful opponent... at age 31 still very dangerous, condolences to all real Fed's fans... but for me... single malt time!!!

Rafa watched the match

Rafa Nadal ?@RafaelNadal
Congrats to @DjokerNole for his masters! we've seen a good final!

If Fed plays like that against Nole, the WTF is his again

Conspirator, 11/11/12 11:20 PM

Looks like I was wrong.

Ajdeeeeee Nole!!!!!!!!!

#O2Shhhhhhhh......Nole@Work

Last year Rafa was the runner-up, seems like only yesterday.


#Rafa Kool-Aid drinker and die-heard armada bandwagon driver".

Even Fed says You're the best to Nole and admits he (Fed) could not have played much better.

#GraciousInDefeat
#NiceToSee
#Classy
#Humble

I wanted Tipsa to win the title.

Roger is about to burst into tears.



#Rafa Kool-Aid drinker and die-heard armada bandwagon driver".

Federer said that? Sucks to be at work cant hear a damn thing, just see. Pretty big of him to say that.

Yea he was like 'you're the best'. Thought I imagined it.

very good match but also very overrated.

Federer also said that he "couldn't have played much better"

Yes he said it but Fed cldnt have played better? He certainly could, how much did he shank in the match..atleast 20 and 3 in last game itself

Congrats to Nole and Nole fans! Nole is really amazingly tough!
All efforts of ATP to give Roger the player of the year award have proved futile. Now clearly Nole will be the Player of the year!

What was it with Djokovic sweating like mad today?

Fed was shanking things ALL OVER THE PLACE in the last four games

Talk about snatching a win from the jaws of defeat. Nole was pretty done in half way through the 2nd set. If it had gone to three sets I reckon Fed would have edged the win.

That must be a hard defeat for him, and his fans, to accept because for much of the time he looked to be in control.

Congratulations to both men.

Time to retire for Roger.

I think we should believe someone like Roger when he says what he says about himself. I believe him if he thinks he couldn't play much better (right now, at his age). Very nice speech from him. My respect. Besides, I think he was a slightly better player today, his game had more variety, it was nicer and less predictable than Nole's. And that's coming from a Nole fan. Nole had some bad decisions, but I guess, his will and persistence won him the match.

Congrats to Nole, this win made my day ;).

Congrats to Nole and his fans for the win! I thought the Fed of WTF2010 came to play when he was 3-0 in the opening set; in the end it was not so as the Fed was shanking all over the place unlike that 2010 version.

Credit to Nole for not pannicking and hanging in tough and coming back from behind to win both sets; well done. A worthy champion!

"Time to retire for Roger."

rubbish. he is still 2nd best player in the world.

That was a very entertains match with a very high level of play. As players go for more on their shots with lower margins for error guess what happens? More unforced errors. No one has mentioned some of the amazing rallies and winners.

If Fed was retired we may not have witnessed such a fine final.

There was one winner fed hit where he had to turn around to catch a ball that went past him and he hit a cross court winner. That was one of the best rallies of the year.

Fed should not retire as long as he's got a shot at a slam and he is enjoying the game.

#Winners

Fed is a jerk. He deliberately took the chair meant for the higher seed. Having been no. 1 only for a few months after languishing at 2 or 3 for two years, it would be farfatched to argue that he took the chair as he was used to being no. 1.
The most unclassiest of the unclassy act!

If Fed said he couldn't have played much better (he could have actually with a few slight tweaks), kudos to him. Nole does what he does best-- coming back from the brink of defeat.

Fed should and is very proud of the year he has had, especially at his age. I think he will slip a bit in 2013, but he should remain in the top 4 with relative ease.

Congrats to Nole! He's definitely the player to bill at to comeback from any situation in a match. Hat's off to him!
Congrats to Roger! Displayed some brilliant skills out there especially that rally to save set point. Should have won the match after leading in both sets but you gotta give credit to Nole for that. Anyways, the match was a really close one. A fitting end to season 2012! Bring on 2013!

Oh well, my IPad is safe as I predicted........

I wanted to watch the match for myself, so I didn't check out the results online. Fed started off strong but then Nole got on a roll. I thought Fed would have won that first set. But Nole seems to be able to crank it up a notch when it matters on the big points.

I was sure it would be a three setter once Fed got the early break in the second set. But Nole didn't lose his cool and kept it together. Of course, he had help from Fed! Once he broke back to even it up late in the set, I had a feeling that Nole might win it right there. He raised his level of play to get the break against Fed and win the match, avoiding a second tiebreak.

That last shot from Nole to win the match was simply divine! I don't think it was a great match, but there were some great rallies and both men showed off their strengths. Fed started shanking a lot when it counted. That was the difference.

Congratulations to Nole and his fans for a great win to cap off the year! Well done! Even though he lost here, Fed has had a great year winning his seventh Wimbledon title and regaining the #1 ranking.

There is no question that Nole is the deserving #1 player at this time.

What self-control NNY. When watching a replay I am incapable of not cheating by looking at the result in advance even though it spoils the tension of not knowing the outcome.

Good one Novak, nicely done.
hehehe,
That would have been rammed down those horrendous O2 fed fans throats like molten lava.
That crushing of immense, delirious sycophancy must be SO arduous to the psyche.
All hail the true number One of 2012 regardless of where he sits on court or anywhere, ND!