Novak Djokovic takes Federer down a notch (in the rankings)

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic defeats Roger Federer to reach Indian Wells final, and in the process, takes over the number two position in the rankings.  Nole, who still remains undefeated this season, has given Roger his only three defeats of the year.  Next up will be Rafael Nadal today in the finals.  Rafa took out the resurgent Del Po in straight sets in Saturday's first semi final match.

Roger Federer

Nole started the semifinal match off strong, breaking Roger at 2 all go up 3-2 in the first set.  Then with Roger serving at 3-5, Djokovic breaks again to take the first set 6-3.  The second set saw Roger clean up his game, breaking Nole at 1 all.  Roger broke again at 3-5 to take the set.  Third set was a roller coaster for both guys in the beginning.  Nole breaks Roger in the first game, but then was broken at love while serving at 2-1, double faulting to give Roger the game.  Then the wheels came off the 'Federer Express'  - he was broken serving at 2 all, after being up 40-15 in his service game.  Try as he might, and he did, Roger didn't win another game in the match.  Nole broke his serve at 2-5 to take the game, set & match 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.

When the rankings come out Monday, Roger Federer will have slipped down the the number three position, the first time he hasn't been ranked number one or two since 2003.  Nole will hold at least a 75 point led over Federer (8400 to Fed's 8325), 475 points should he win the tournament.  He could conceivably surpass Rafa for the number one ranking before year's end - Rafa has a whooping 10990 points to defend for the rest of the 2011 season - he's the current reigning champion at all three upcoming majors, plus three other Masters 1000 events.  Nole on the other hand only has 4710 points to defend, and if his current level of play continues, he will pick up a lot more.  Roger isn't totally out of the picture, after all he is still Roger Federer, but he does have 6655 points to defend.  Keep in mind he did horribly at the French Open & Wimbledon last year (horribly according to Roger's standards), so he should pick up a few at those tournaments, UNLESS his current level of play continues.  I'm sure he is ready to get the clay court season over, and get some grass under his feet.  The grass always gives him confidence, although he was confident last year when Berdych to him out in the quarters.   

The finals will air today 2pm EST on ABC (women at 2pm & the men at 4pm), and live streaming at livescorehunter.com.  Should be a good match. 'Ajmo' - 'Vamos' - much luck to both guys!  No prediction from me, just anticipation.