Roger Federer was a dominant figure in Dubai between 2003 and 2015, winning seven titles and losing finals to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Novak also enjoyed a few fantastic years in the desert, claiming four trophies between 2009-2013 and setting another title match with Roger in 2015.

On February 28, Federer defeated Djokovic 6-3, 7-5 in an hour and 24 minutes to defend the title, improving his score against the Serb to 20-17 and claiming his 84th ATP title. It was an excellent encounter and could have gone into a decider.

Novak had seven break points, squandering them and getting broken once in each set to settle for the runner-up spot. Roger played a bit better on serve and return to complete the triumph in straight sets, staying in aggressive mode from start to finish and prevailing in the most critical moments.

The Swiss finished the match with 29 service winners and 22 winners from the court, while Novak had 16 unreturned serves and 17 winners from the field, 18 less than Roger. They had the same number of forced errors, and Roger had to pay the price for his aggressive approach with 23 unforced errors in comparison to Novak’s 13.

However, that was not enough for the Serb to make a difference and at least send the encounter to a decider. Djokovic was a better player in the first ten games of set number two. Still, he could not capitalize on that, squandering two break chances in games eight and ten and getting broken from 40-0 at 5-5, which was the pivotal moment of the entire clash.

60% of the points ended in the shortest range up to four strokes, and Roger had a 45-40 advantage, mainly thanks to almost 30 service winners on his tally. He also prevailed in the mid-range exchanges from five to eight shots (25-20) and stayed in touch with Novak in the most extended rallies after taking five out of 11.

Djokovic was off to a better start, creating two break chances in game three. Federer erased with winners from smash and serve, avoiding an early setback and staying on the positive side.

Roger Federer defeated Novak Djokovic in the 2015 Dubai final.

Both players held after deuce in games six and seven.

The first break of serve came when Novak sent a backhand long in the eighth game, trailing 5-3 and allowing Roger to serve for the opener. The Swiss star needed no second invitation, closing the set with four service winners in game nine for 6-3 in 36 minutes.

Novak had a massive opportunity to move in front at 4-3 in set number two. He earned two break chances, and Roger erased them with four good serves to get out of jail and stay in touch. The Serb had the upper hand in those moments, earning another opportunity to turn the set in his favor with two set points on the return at 5-4.

It was not to be for him, as Federer repelled them with an excellent volley and a service winner before blasting an ace to level the score at 5-5 and gain momentum. Djokovic was very productive in the last four service games, holding on the first game point.

That all changed in the 11th game despite a 40-0 advantage! Instead of making a comfortable hold, Novak made three errors and gave Roger a break chance after a double fault. Federer needed only one opportunity to jump into the lead, firing a forehand winner to earn the decisive advantage and serve for the title.

Djokovic got another possibility to extend the set and correct the mistake he made in the previous game after Federer’s double fault. The Swiss saved the seventh and last break chance when the Serb netted a backhand. Roger sealed the deal two points later with a forehand winner to celebrate his seventh Dubai crown and the second in a row.