Novak Djokovic is experiencing the greatest year of his career as he claimed his 9th title of 2015 in Shanghai on Sunday.
In the final of the Shanghai Masters he defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets to claim his 25th Masters title and back-to-back titles in China. Speaking after his win in Shanghai, the world No.1 described this year as his best yet.
“It’s the best year of my life, no question about it,” Djokovic said.
“Everything is working great. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be able to play this well.”
The Serbian is guaranteed to finish the year at the top of the rankings as he leads his nearest rival, Andy Murray, by an untouchable 8025 points. This year Djokovic has won three out of four Grand Slam titles and is currently on a 17-match winning streak. His current ranking points is 16,785 which surpasses Federer’s total in 2006. During 2006 Federer accumulated 8370 points which is equivalent to 15675 points in today’s ranking system. Nevertheless, if Djokovic wants to win more matches than Federer did in 2006, he needs to win 20 more.
Glancing at the figures, it clearly indicates that Djokovic has produced a more dominant season than Federer in 2006 but is this a fair representation considering Federer won more matches and titles during his best season?
In 2006 Federer won five ATP titles, three Masters Tournaments, three Grand Slams and the end of the year finals. In comparison Djokovic has won five Masters titles, one ATP title and three Grand Slam titles as he prepares to end his season at the ATP Tour Finals next month. Federer ended 2006 with 92-5 (95% winning rate) compared to Djokovic, who is currently at 73-5 (93.5% winning rate).
Federer won $8,333,585 in prize money during 2006 which is almost half of what Djokovic has so far earned this year (15,986,990). There are two reasons why Djokovic’s prize money overwhelms Federer’s. First is the natural increase in tournament winnings over the years. Also the level of Djokovic’s titles is of a higher calibre the Swiss (more Masters 1000 titles). The prize money for a Masters winner is approximately three times more than a ATP 500 event and 6 times more than a ATP 250 event.
One way to distinguish the two men could be by looking at their rivals during their best season, however this approach can be very subjective. In 2006 Federer defeated Tomas Berdych, Fernando Gonzalez, Ivan ljubicic and James Blake to claim a series of titles. His biggest 2006 nemesis was a young Rafael Nadal, who Federer lost to in four out of five finals. If if wasn’t for Nadal, Federer could of won 16 titles instead of 12. In comparison Djokovic has reached 13 finals, winning 9 of them. The Serbian final opponents include Milos Raonic, Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Six of Djokovic’s finals have been against Federer with the world No.1 winning four of them.
Another factor to take into account is that the season is still ongoing for Djokovic, who will play at the BNP Paribas Masters before ending his year at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
There is no easy way to label one season greater than the other. Some will say Djokovic due to his Masters triumphs in a field which consist of some of the best players in the modern era. On the other hand Federer won the most matches in 2006 since Ivan Lendl back in 1982 and reached the final in 16 out of 17 tournaments (the only exception was the Cincinnati Masters where he lost to Andy Murray in the second round). There is one certainty, both seasons have cemented their place as one of the greatest players in the modern era.
Roger Federer’s 2006 season
ATP Doha Open – Champion
Australian Open – champion
ATP Dubai – Runner-up
Indian Wells Masters – Champion
Miami Masters – Champion
Monte Carlo Masters – Runner-up
Rome Masters – runner-up
French Open – runner-up
ATP Halle – Champion
Wimbledon – Champion
Toronto Masters – champion
Cincinnati Masters – R2
US Open – Champion
ATP Tokyo – Champion
Madrid Masters – Champion
ATP Basel – Champion
ATP Finals – Champion
Novak Djokovic’s 2015 season
ATP Doha – Quarter-finals
Australian Open – Champion
ATP Dubai – Runner Up
Indian Wells Masters – Champion
Miami Masters – Champion
Monte Carlo Masters – Champion
Rome Masters – Champion
French Open – Runner Up
Wimbledon – Champion
Canadian Open Masters – Runner-up
Cincinnati Masters – Runner-up
US Open – Champion
ATP Beijing – Champion
Shanghai Masters – Champion
BNP Paribas Masters – To be played
ATP World Tour Finals – To be played
The first match between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer – 2006 Monte Carlo Masters R2
Their latest match – 2015 US Open final
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