Monte Carlo is one of the rare notable tournaments that Roger Federer does not have in his collection. The Swiss lost three straight finals in the Principality to Rafael Nadal between 2006 and 2008, and he earned another chance to fight for the trophy in 2014. Six years after the previous one, Roger advanced to his fourth and last Monte Carlo title match following a rock-solid 7-5, 6-2 triumph over the defending champion Novak Djokovic in an hour and 15 minutes. Roger barely survived the Jo-Wilfried Tsonga test in the quarter-final after missing the first 15 break chances.
Federer prevailed in three sets to arrange the 34th encounter against Djokovic. Serving at 70%, Roger dropped 14 points in ten service games. He fended off both break chances and kept the pressure on the other side of the court to secure the 18th triumph over the Serb. Djokovic could not match those numbers despite a brave effort in set number one. He got broken three times and failed to defend the title claimed a year ago after beating an eight-time winner Rafael Nadal. Nothing could separate them in the rallies with five strokes or more, and Federer dominated in the shortest exchanges up to four shots to earn the victory.
Roger Federer defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets in Monte Carlo 2014.
The Swiss hit more winners and caused more forced mistakes from the Serb to seal the deal in straight sets and forge the first all-Swiss Masters 1000 final against Stan Wawrinka! Both players made a strong start, serving well and keeping returners far from any chance until game nine. Djokovic saved a break opportunity to stay in contention and earned two set points in the next one. Federer stayed calm and erased both with sharp attacks. He brought the game home with a service winner and gathered a massive momentum that would carry him towards nine of the last 11 games!
From 40-0 down at 5-5, Roger won five straight points to secure a break and landed an ace a few minutes later for 7-5 after 49 minutes. A perfect backhand winner earned a break for the Swiss in the second set’s third game. He confirmed the advantage with three winners in the next one and stole Djokovic’s serve again to open a 4-1 gap. The Serb completely lost the energy (his right hand was heavily wrapped), and Federer completed a perfect day at the office with a service winner in game eight to reach his first Monte Carlo final in six years.