Federer vs Djokovic @ Basel final.

When you are Federer playing at home you want to ensure the final at least is against a bona fide player to deflect the mickey mouse effect while maintaining the stature of the event.

Federer has played Rochus, Seppi, Korolev and Chiudinelli. And that may not be that bad considering the event if not for the line up Djokovic has had to battle: Beck, Hernych, Wawrinka and Stepanek.

When you are a host of Federer’s stature you want to lend as much credibility to the event as possible for obvious reasons at a time when even Slam locations are being debated. 

So Federer surely must have been happy to see Djokovic save two match points to reach the finals to improve the likelihood of a larger fan base tuning in. That, however, may not be the only reason.

He knows what expectations Djokovic is coming in with. That US Open straight set loss is still fresh and this win here could be one way of seeking redemption. Add the fact that Federer added insult to injury by taking away the satisfaction of losing to the eventual winner.

Djokovic will certainly be banking on the weaker competition Federer has ploughed through, comparatively, to pump himself up for the challenge – not to mention the ‘house house’ performance Federer is just out of.

Additionally, you always have that ready-made crutch of ‘just coming off a lay off’ to not take this loss as hard. But Djokovic’s presence and the venue may take care of that.

But just the intrigue of Federer squirming and crying at the award ceremony is enough to entertain the possibility. And if Djokovic can add his chest thumping before jumping on to the players’ box it would make one heck of a spectacle.

Realistically though, it’s hard to imagine Djokovic EVER beating a 100 percent Federer. Federer has to fall real steep for Djokovic to have any freaking chance. And then look for that forced hug and patronizing smile to make your day instead.