A similar scoreline was expected here, with Federer going into a match as probably a bigger underdog than any contest since the early stages of his career. That came despite Federer struggling with a groin problem that prompted speculation about whether he would even take to the court for this match. Federer saved more break points to force a tie-break but by now Djokovic had stopped missing and was finding some fine offensive shots of his own. At the end of the set, Federer headed off court with the trainer for another medical timeout, this one seemingly for his lower back. He held firm until the 10th game, when Djokovic forced a set point and took it with a forehand flick, celebrating exuberantly.

Source: Irish Independent January 30, 2020 11:15 UTC