Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer Head-to-Head

By goatoftennis / In Head 2 Head, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer / February 7, 2025

The rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer is one of the greatest in tennis history. These two icons have faced off numerous times in high-stakes matches, captivating fans with their contrasting styles and intense battles. Their head-to-head record provides valuable insights into their competitive dynamic, strengths, and historic moments. In this article, we delve into their overall record, key matches, surface-specific performances, and the significance of their legendary rivalry.

Overall Head-to-Head Record

As of 2025, Novak Djokovic leads the head-to-head against Roger Federer, solidifying his status as one of the few players to have a winning record against the Swiss maestro.

Total Matches Played	50
Novak Djokovic Wins	27
Roger Federer Wins	23

This close margin highlights the competitive nature of their encounters, with both players pushing each other to their limits.

Grand Slam Head-to-Head

Grand Slam tournaments have been the stage for some of the most memorable Djokovic-Federer battles. Here’s how they have fared against each other in the four major events:

Australian Open: Djokovic has dominated Federer in Melbourne, showcasing his superiority on hard courts.
French Open: Federer has struggled against Djokovic on clay, though their encounters at Roland Garros have been hard-fought.
Wimbledon: The All England Club has hosted some of their most iconic matches, with Djokovic having the edge in recent years.
US Open: Their head-to-head in New York is tightly contested, with both players claiming significant victories.

Surface Breakdown: Who Excels Where?

Hard Courts (Djokovic’s Advantage)

Total Matches Played On Hard	32
Novak Djokovic Wins	22
Roger Federer Wins	10

Djokovic’s defensive skills and consistency make him an almost unbeatable force on hard courts, where he has dominated their matchups.

Grass Courts (A Battle of Precision)

Total Matches Played On Grass	6
Novak Djokovic Wins	4
Roger Federer Wins	2

Federer’s elegance on grass has often been tested by Djokovic’s resilience. Their Wimbledon finals have been legendary, with Djokovic edging Federer in crucial moments.

Clay Courts (Djokovic’s Tactical Edge)

Total Matches Played On Clay	12
Novak Djokovic Wins	8
Roger Federer Wins	4

Although Federer is highly skilled on clay, Djokovic’s defensive prowess and strategic play have given him the upper hand in their encounters on this surface.

Most Iconic Matches

Wimbledon 2019 Final – A Marathon for the Ages

Djokovic and Federer battled for nearly five hours in the longest Wimbledon final in history. Djokovic saved two championship points before prevailing in a historic fifth-set tiebreak.

US Open 2011 Semi-Final – Djokovic’s Unbelievable Comeback

Djokovic saved match points against Federer to win in an extraordinary five-set thriller, marking one of the greatest comebacks in Grand Slam history.

Wimbledon 2014 Final – A Clash of Legends

Djokovic and Federer delivered an epic showdown, with Djokovic winning in five sets to reclaim the Wimbledon title.

Legacy and Impact of Their Rivalry

The Djokovic-Federer rivalry has significantly influenced modern tennis, shaping playing styles and strategies for generations to come. Federer’s aggressive shot-making and Djokovic’s counterpunching have provided fans with unparalleled entertainment.

As Federer has retired and Djokovic continues to dominate the sport, their head-to-head record stands as a testament to their greatness. Their rivalry is a crucial chapter in tennis history, showcasing the evolution of the game and the enduring spirit of competition.

Conclusion

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer’s rivalry is a defining narrative in tennis history. With Djokovic leading their head-to-head, his mental resilience and adaptability have given him the edge over Federer. However, their epic battles, unforgettable moments, and mutual respect have left a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of tennis fans.

For more updates on tennis rivalries and head-to-head statistics, stay tuned to our website!

Tags: Clay, Djokovic, Federer, Grass, Hard, Head 2 Head, Matches, Novak, Roger, Wins

Facts about the history of tennis

1. Tennis Traces Its Roots to the 12th Century

The origins of tennis date back to 12th-century France, where monks played a game called jeu de paume (game of the palm). Instead of rackets, they used their hands to hit the ball against walls or over a rope. Over time, wooden paddles were introduced, evolving into the modern racket.

2. The Word “Tennis” Comes from French

The term “tennis” originates from the French word tenez, meaning “take” or “receive.” It was commonly shouted by players before serving the ball in jeu de paume, much like today’s “Let’s go!” or “Play!” in modern tennis matches.

3. Wimbledon Is the Oldest Tennis Tournament

Established in 1877, Wimbledon is the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament. It was originally played at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club with only 22 male participants. Women’s singles and doubles were introduced later, in 1884.

4. The First Tennis Balls Were Made of Wood

Before the modern rubberized tennis balls, early versions were made of solid wood or leather stuffed with hair or wool. In the 19th century, Charles Goodyear’s discovery of vulcanized rubber revolutionized the game, leading to the bouncy balls we use today.

5. The Grand Slam Term Came from Bridge, Not Tennis

The term “Grand Slam” originally came from the card game bridge, where it referred to winning all possible tricks in a hand. It was later adopted in the 1930s to describe winning all four major tennis tournaments (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open) in a single year.

6. The First Women’s Tennis Star Was Suzanne Lenglen

French tennis legend Suzanne Lenglen dominated women’s tennis in the 1920s, winning six Wimbledon titles. She was known for her flamboyant style, graceful play, and for breaking societal norms by wearing knee-length dresses instead of the traditional ankle-length attire.

7. Tennis Was Originally an Olympic Sport, Then Got Dropped

Tennis was part of the first modern Olympics in 1896 but was removed from the Games in 1924 due to disputes over amateurism. It took 64 years for tennis to return as an official Olympic sport at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

8. The Open Era Changed Tennis Forever

Before 1968, professional players were banned from competing in Grand Slam tournaments. The introduction of the Open Era allowed both amateurs and professionals to compete together, paving the way for stars like Rod Laver, Björn Borg, and Serena Williams.

9. The Longest Tennis Match Lasted Over 11 Hours

At Wimbledon 2010, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut played the longest match in tennis history, lasting 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days. The final set alone took 8 hours and 11 minutes, with Isner winning 70-68. This epic battle led to rule changes introducing final-set tiebreaks at major tournaments.

10. The Fastest Recorded Serve Exceeded 263 km/h

Australian player Sam Groth holds the record for the fastest tennis serve, clocking in at 263.4 km/h (163.7 mph) during a Challenger match in 2012. In the women’s game, the fastest serve belongs to Sabine Lisicki at 210.8 km/h (131.0 mph).

Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer Head-to-Head

Overall Head-to-Head Record

Grand Slam Head-to-Head