The rivalry between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic was one of the greatest in men’s tennis. Across 50 meetings, Djokovic won 27 matches against Federer’s 23, with several unforgettable Grand Slam battles.
Federer brought attacking shot making and an exceptional serve, while Djokovic relied on movement, consistent returns and mental strength. Their head to head record reveals how both legends competed, but Djokovic ultimately came out on top.
Federer vs Djokovic Head to Head: Overall Record
Novak Djokovic won their rivalry with 27 victories against Federer’s 23 across 50 tour level meetings. Their first match took place at the 2006 Monte Carlo Masters, where Federer won in three sets. Their final meeting came at the 2020 Australian Open, where Djokovic won in straight sets.
| Head to Head Category | Novak Djokovic | Roger Federer |
|---|---|---|
| Overall matches | 27 | 23 |
| Tour level finals | 13 | 6 |
| Grand Slam matches | 11 | 6 |
| Grand Slam finals | 4 | 1 |
| Matches lasting five sets | 4 | 0 |
The finals record counts completed championship matches. One additional final was recorded as a walkover and is not included in the 13 to 6 played match score.
Djokovic had a clear advantage in the rivalry’s biggest contests. He won four of their five Grand Slam finals and all four matches that went to five sets.
However, Federer also had impressive performances. He won more total games and points across their 50 meetings, showing how closely contested the rivalry remained despite Djokovic’s advantage in match victories.
Grand Slam Head to Head Record
Federer and Djokovic played 17 times at Grand Slam tournaments. Djokovic won 11 matches, while Federer won six.
| Grand Slam | Djokovic Wins | Federer Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Open | 4 | 1 |
| French Open | 1 | 1 |
| Wimbledon | 3 | 1 |
| US Open | 3 | 3 |
| Total | 11 | 6 |
Djokovic dominated their Australian Open meetings, winning four of five matches. At Wimbledon, he won three of their four encounters, including all three finals.
Their French Open record was level at one win each. The US Open was also evenly balanced, with both players winning three matches.
An interesting part of their rivalry is that each player defeated the other at all four Grand Slam tournaments. This reflects how their competition extended across different surfaces and playing conditions.
Five Grand Slam Matches That Defined Their Rivalry
Their rivalry produced several memorable matches, but five Grand Slam encounters stand out because of their importance, drama and impact on tennis history.
2007 US Open Final: Federer’s First Victory
The 2007 US Open final was their first meeting in a Grand Slam championship match. Federer defeated Djokovic 7–6, 7–6, 6–4 to win his fourth consecutive US Open title.
Djokovic was only 20 years old and competing in his first Grand Slam final. He challenged Federer throughout the match but could not convert his opportunities.
This victory gave Federer a 1 to 0 advantage in their Grand Slam final record. It would take Djokovic several years to turn that record around.
2011 US Open Semi Final: Djokovic Saves Match Points
The 2011 US Open semi final became one of the most dramatic matches of their rivalry. Federer won the opening two sets and looked close to reaching another final.
Djokovic refused to give up. He saved two match points in the fifth set and completed a remarkable comeback, winning 6–7, 4–6, 6–3, 6–2, 7–5.
The result showed Djokovic’s growing confidence against Federer. It also became one of the defining examples of his ability to perform under extreme pressure.
2014 Wimbledon Final: Djokovic Takes Control
The 2014 Wimbledon final was another five set battle. Federer won the opening set, but Djokovic responded by taking the next two sets.
Federer fought back to win the fourth set and force a decider. Djokovic eventually secured a 6–7, 6–4, 7–6, 5–7, 6–4 victory.
The win gave Djokovic his second Wimbledon title and his seventh Grand Slam championship. It also marked the beginning of his run of three consecutive Wimbledon final victories over Federer.
2015 Wimbledon Final: Djokovic Defends His Title
Federer and Djokovic met again in the Wimbledon final in 2015. Federer was aiming for his eighth Wimbledon singles title, while Djokovic wanted to defend his championship.
The first two sets were decided by tie breaks. Djokovic then raised his level and won the final two sets to secure a 7–6, 6–7, 6–4, 6–3 victory.
This was Djokovic’s second consecutive Wimbledon final win against Federer and another important step in establishing his advantage in their rivalry.
2019 Wimbledon Final: The Five Set Classic
The 2019 Wimbledon final is often remembered as one of the greatest matches in tennis history. Federer and Djokovic played for four hours and 57 minutes in a contest that tested both players physically and mentally.
Federer had two championship points at 8–7 in the fifth set but failed to convert either opportunity. Djokovic saved both and eventually won the deciding set tie break.
The final score was 7–6, 1–6, 7–6, 4–6, 13–12.
It was the first Wimbledon men’s singles final decided by a tie break at 12–12. The result was particularly painful for Federer, who had come extremely close to winning another Wimbledon title.
For Djokovic, it was another example of his ability to deliver when the pressure was highest.
Why Did Djokovic Win More Matches Against Federer?
Federer and Djokovic had different approaches to the game. Federer preferred to attack early, use his forehand to control rallies and move forward to finish points. Djokovic was more comfortable defending from the baseline and extending rallies until he found an opportunity to attack.
Three factors helped Djokovic gain the advantage.
1. Return of serve: Djokovic was one of the best returners in tennis. He regularly neutralised Federer’s powerful serve and made it harder for him to win quick points.
2. Baseline consistency: Djokovic’s movement and defensive skills allowed him to stay in long rallies. He could absorb Federer’s attacking shots and turn defensive positions into winning opportunities.
3. Performance under pressure: Djokovic repeatedly saved important points during their matches. His ability to handle championship points was particularly evident in the 2019 Wimbledon final.
These strengths helped Djokovic win more of their close contests. However, Federer remained a difficult opponent and often produced outstanding tennis against him.
Did Federer Win More Points and Games Against Djokovic?
Yes. Despite losing the overall head to head record, Federer won more total games and points across their 50 meetings. He finished ahead in games by 755 to 747 and in points by 4,817 to 4,757. This is an important detail because match victories do not always reflect every part of a player’s performance.
The 2019 Wimbledon final is a clear example. Federer won more points in the match, 218 to 204, and had two championship points but failed to convert either opportunity. Djokovic saved both and eventually secured the title.
This difference highlights the central theme of their rivalry. Federer often produced exceptional tennis, but Djokovic was more effective at converting crucial opportunities into victories.
When Was the Last Federer vs Djokovic Match?
Their final tour level meeting took place in the semi finals of the 2020 Australian Open on January 30, 2020. Djokovic defeated Federer 7–6, 6–4, 6–3 to reach the final. Federer had struggled with a groin injury during the tournament, which affected his movement and preparation.
Djokovic controlled the match and went on to win the Australian Open title. This was their 50th and final meeting at tour level.
Federer announced his retirement from professional tennis in 2022, bringing his playing career to an end. Their rivalry therefore remained at 50 matches, with Djokovic finishing ahead by four victories.
Who Was Better: Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic?
If the comparison is based specifically on their head to head rivalry, Novak Djokovic was more successful. He won 27 of their 50 meetings, compared with Federer’s 23 victories.
Djokovic also had the advantage in Grand Slam matches, championship matches and five set encounters. His record in major finals was particularly impressive, with four victories from five meetings.
Federer, however, had his own historic achievements. He won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, including eight Wimbledon championships. His attacking style and influence on the sport made him one of tennis’s most admired players.
Djokovic went on to win 24 Grand Slam singles titles and holds a winning record against Federer. He remains an active player, while Federer retired in 2022. Both players belong among the greatest tennis players of all time, but Djokovic had the stronger direct record.
Conclusion
Novak Djokovic finished the Federer vs Djokovic rivalry with a 27 to 23 advantage across 50 matches. He also won 11 Grand Slam encounters, four of their five major finals and all four matches that went to five sets.
Federer had more total games and points across their meetings, but Djokovic was better at converting important moments into victories. Their rivalry brought some of the greatest matches in tennis history and remains an essential part of the sport’s modern era.
FAQs
Novak Djokovic won the rivalry with 27 victories against Roger Federer’s 23. They played 50 tour level matches between 2006 and 2020.
Djokovic won 11 of their 17 Grand Slam meetings. Federer won six. Djokovic also won four of their five Grand Slam finals.
They played five Grand Slam finals. Djokovic won four, while Federer won one. Their finals included three Wimbledon meetings and two US Open meetings.
Novak Djokovic won all four matches that went to five sets. These included their famous 2011 US Open semi final, 2014 Wimbledon final, 2019 Wimbledon final and other five set encounters.
Their final meeting took place in the 2020 Australian Open semi final on January 30, 2020. Djokovic won in straight sets, 7–6, 6–4, 6–3.
