Wimbledon men's final: Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer preview
"This is the kind of match that I always dreamed of being part of as a young boy with the tennis racquet," says Djokovic. "This is what I worked for."
Sunday 14 July 2019 15:14, UK
Novak Djokovic has warned Roger Federer that he is coming for his records ahead of their Wimbledon final on Sunday.
Djokovic, the reigning champion, has eased through to his sixth Wimbledon final and victory over eight-time winner Federer would give him his 16th grand-slam title.
That would take him to just four behind the Swiss and at five years his junior, few would back against him going well past Federer's total.
Can Federer clinch Wimbledon title No 9?
Federer claimed a sublime win over old rival Rafael Nadal on Friday to set up a Wimbledon final showdown with Djokovic.
The final stages of the much-anticipated semi-final were full of tension and drama, with Nadal saving four match points but, after three hours and two minutes, it was Federer, a month shy of his 38th birthday, who clinched a 7-6 (3) 1-6 6-3 6-4 victory and the chance to take on defending champion Djokovic.
Should he win, it would give the Swiss a ninth Wimbledon title and take him to 21 Grand Slam trophies, three ahead of Nadal and six clear of Djokovic - but the Serb has sent his rival a warning.
"It's the final of Wimbledon," the 32-year-old began at his press conference. "This is the kind of match that I always dreamed of being part of as a young boy with the tennis racquet. This is what I worked for.
"I wanted to be in this position. I have a chance to fight for a trophy. Regardless of who's across the net or what is happening, I'll definitely give it my all."
Can Djokovic thrive in hostile surroundings?
One thing Federer will have in his favour is the unwavering support of the Centre Court crowd and that is something Djokovic will have to accept.
The world No 1 booked a place in his sixth final with a 6-2 4-6 6-3 6-2 win over Roberto Bautista Agut, but he was in a tetchy mood with the spectators.
He baited them on several occasions, first ironically throwing his hands up when they cheered the Spaniard winning the second set, then shushing them by putting his finger against his lips.
When Djokovic ended that 45-stroke point, the longest on record at Wimbledon where such stats date to 2006, with a backhand winner he cupped his ear while glaring into the stands.
The 32-year-old knows he will be in a similar position again when he faces Federer, but says he is not affected by it.
"Look, I am focused on what I need to do," he said.
"It won't be the first time playing against Federer on the Centre Court. I've had that experience more than once. I know what to expect."
"At times they wanted him to come back to the match, maybe take a lead because he was an underdog in the match. I understand that.
"But I had enough support here over the years, so I don't complain.
"It won't be the first time playing against Federer on the Centre Court. I've had that experience more than once. I know what to expect."
Will Djokovic feed off Federer fatigue?
While the Serb found a way past Bautista Agut, Federer admitted to being "exhausted" following his victory in four sets over Nadal.
The Swiss knew it wouldn't be easy against his greatest rival - and he now faces a challenge he has never overcome in any previous Grand Slam - beating both Nadal and Djokovic within the same major.
To add to his collection of titles in Sunday's final, Federer must get past the defending champion and No 1 seed - but Djokovic is under no illusions of the task he faces to lift a fifth Wimbledon crown.
"We all know how good he is anywhere," Djokovic added about Federer, "but especially here."
Centre Court braced for latest chapter in great rivalry
This will be the fourth time Djokovic and Federer have met in a Grand Slam final and the 48th time they have gone head-to-head.
Djokovic leads his series with Federer 25-22, and 9-6 in Grand Slam matches. Federer knows there are not many secrets in each other's game.
"It's the same like going into a Rafa match," he said. "I think the moment you've played somebody probably more than 15 times, especially in recent years also a few times, there's not that much more left out there.
"I'm excited about the game against Novak. We've played each other so, so much. I don't mind that, I think it's more of a clear game plan.
"Especially we had a great match against each other in Paris just recently. I hope we can back it up from there."
