• ATP World Tour Finals

Never underestimate Federer - Djokovic

Ismail Vedat at the O2
November 4, 2013
Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer to win the event in last year's final © Getty Images
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Ahead of their blockbuster clash at the ATP World Tour Finals, Novak Djokovic says Roger Federer is someone who should not be underestimated as he aims to defend his crown at London's O2 Arena.

Federer has only won one tournament this season (Halle) and qualified for the World Tour Finals only last week with an opening-round win in Paris. He has suffered early exits at Wimbledon and the US Open, and has been sliding down the rankings since the turn of the year, leading critics to write off his chances of being able to compete with the top players for major honours.

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Asked to identify what has changed in Federer's game, Djokovic jokingly responded: "He might answer that better", later adding "in my opinion, he hasn't been moving as well this year as he did before, and I guess that's one of the reasons why he hasn't had much success this year."

Djokovic defeated Federer 12 months ago to lift the title at the O2, and having beaten the Swiss on Saturday in the semi-finals of the Paris Masters and going on to lift the trophy in Bercy, Djokovic is not taking Federer for granted - despite the record grand slam champion struggling in 2013.

"He's Roger Federer and he's achieved so much in his career. He's never to be underestimated as long as he plays tennis," Djokovic said, who arrived in London last night after his Paris win over Ferrer.

"He has an incredible quality in his game even though he is moving slower than he used to. He's striking the ball really well and if he feels well that day he can beat anybody."

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