Novak Djokovic on first win over Roger Federer: 'He has to lose sometimes'

• Tennis News
• Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic made a name for himself in 2007, reaching his first Major final and lifting multiple Masters 1000 titles. Novak conquered the first in Miami and added the second four months later in Montreal. The Serb wrote history books after beating the world's leading three players as the first one to achieve that after Boris Becker in Stockholm 1994.

Novak defeated Andy Roddick in the quarter-final and toppled Rafael Nadal in the semi-final to set the title clash against Roger Federer. Djokovic prevailed 7-6, 2-6, 7-6 in two hours and 13 minutes for his sixth ATP title.

It was Novak's first victory over Roger in five matches, prevailing in the closing stages of sets one and three to lift the trophy. Federer had nine break points and converted five. He got broken three times, but it was not enough to emerge at the top after losing ground in the decisive moments.

Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer for the first time in Montreal 2007.

The Swiss won two points more than the Serb thanks to the second set. He wasted six set points in the opening set, which probably cost him the title.

Federer broke at 5-5 in the opening set and served for it in game 12. He squandered six set points to bring Djokovic into contention before the tie break. Novak had the momentum and claimed it 7-2 with a service winner for a massive boost.

Roger shifted into a higher gear in set number two and grabbed breaks in games six and eight for 6-2 in half an hour. Djokovic made a strong start in the decider and broke Federer in the first game. The Serb served well in the next three service games to open a 4-2 gap before the Swiss broke back in game eight for 4-4.

The set went into a tie break, and Novak played on a higher level to forge a 6-1 advantage. Djokovic converted the second match point to start a massive celebration of his first win over Federer. "It has been a fantastic week for me, and I won the second notable title after Miami.

I should put Montreal at the top, considering I defeated three top-3 players. It's like a dream come true, facing Roger Federer in the final and beating mentally the strongest player in two tie breaks. It's normal to have ups and downs against world no.

1, as he feels comfortable on any court. It was a big motivation for me to face Roger in an ATP final for the first time. I tried to stay in touch and keep my focus in every point because he uses every opportunity. It's a massive victory for me, and as I said during the ceremony, Roger has to lose sometimes.

The first set was crucial, as we both wanted to take it. I got broken from 40-0, and you expect world no. 1 to seal the set in the next one. I gave my best to leave that game behind me and focus on the next one, breaking back and taking it in the tie break.

The second set ended quickly, and I had to regroup ahead of the decider. I grabbed an early break before Roger pulled it back at 3-4, which should have never happened. I prevailed in the end, and I'm thrilled," Novak Djokovic said.