It will be Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer for the Wimbledon title on Sunday afternoon. The Grandstand’s Ricky Dimon and Cheryl Murray along with Pete Ziebron of Tennis Acumen preview the action and make their picks.
(1) Novak Djokovic vs. (2) Roger Federer
Ricky: Federer and Rafael Nadal occasionally produce the instant classics that live in history. But Federer vs. Djokovic delivers the goods on the most consistent basis of the Big 3 (or even Big 4) matchups. And another good one is almost certainly in store. Federer has dropped only three sets this fortnight and he is coming off an awesome performance against Nadal in the semis. Djokovic surrendered just two total sets during his trip to the title match. The world No. 1 leads this extensive head-to-head series 25-22 and 2-1 on grass. That doesn’t mean much. But 2-0 in Wimbledon finals and 8-2 in their last 10 overall are numbers worth nothing. Given that Djokovic also took care of business in an easier semifinal, he gets the nod. Djokovic in 5: 4-6, 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4.
Pete: Historically, this may very well prove to be a pivotal match with respect to the final total of majors won by the Big 3. With a win, Federer increases his margin to six over Djokovic (and three over Nadal). A Djokovic victory elevates his tally to 16–two behind Nadal and four behind Federer and concurrently cements the fact that he will have won four of the last five majors. Since the last time they met at a slam (2016 Australian Open), Federer has added Ivan Ljubicic to his team–a man who has beaten Djokovic, Nadal, and even Federer himself multiple times. The Ljubicic presence has enabled Federer to creatively refine his game-plan (as evidenced against Nadal) and he will look to successfully implement these tactics in the final against Djokovic. Federer in 5: 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-4.
Cheryl: Federer-Djokovic doesn’t necessarily pack the punch that a Nadal-Federer final would, but it’s hard to complain about the Nos. 1 and 2 seeds squaring off for the title at Wimbledon. Djokovic enjoys a slight head-to-head edge over Federer, but he’s won the lion’s share of their most recent matches. In fact, the last time Federer got a ‘W’ over Djokovic was in round-robin play at the ATP Finals back in 2015. Both men have enjoyed a great fortnight, but Federer had to face Nadal in the semis while Djokovic’s opponent was Roberto Bautista Agut. Although both matches went four sets, the Federer-Nadal battle was the more physical and certainly more emotional. Going into Sunday’s match I give Djokovic the edge, as he’s historically been able to handle the Federer serve and because of the fact that Federer has never managed to beat both Nadal and Djokovic in the same slam–or even at any tournament other than the 2010 ATP Finals. Djokovic in 4: 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6.
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If Novak stays #1, he can eclipse Rogers record in june2020
And he is only a matter of Nole slam away from Rogers record. And rogers interviews give a bit away about his mindset. After Djokers masters sweep at Cincy he said now that surfaces are playing even if was expected that someone will come and do it. It is a cool record but sort of expected. Now in todays interview he says that if I broke someones record, someone may well beat mine. Sort of downplaying the significance or maybe not bigging up Novak..
16-18-20 Amazing how he caught up to them. I doubt we will ever see a time like this again.
Federer played incredible tennis – the kind that wins GS’s. He is probably surprised himself. Novak was actually terrible much of the time – like the entire 2nd set and most of the 4th set. I was sure he’d lose. I thought Fed was stronger than I’d seen him play for a long time. Fed meant to win it today but he just barely didn’t. This almost was his 21st GS.
No reason he can’t try again next Wimbledon – if he’s still in this shape.
Maybe he wins US Open or AO?
Much much congrats to RC & Nole for the win…I feel that he will win many more!
Also a very hearty commiserations to all Fedfans here…Joe,Big Al,eugene,Kevin et al…i always hate to c him lose esp in a match like this..but…yeah..sometime u win,sometime u lose..
I wish Rog & u guys all the best for the rest of the season & onwards k?
Thank you dear, Mira Andi. Maybe he will win more or maybe not. He’s my GOAT and more slams won’t change that 😀
Yes there are some very nice Fed Fans here – commies to them. Commies to the Rafa fans that wanted Fed to win too. It was indeed close!!
You’re welcome RC!…
Thanks!
Fed might retire after this heart breaking loss, like Borg did.
Given his age now, this should the most painful one.
Anyway he doesn’t need the money anymore, and his legacy most likely will be eclipsed by Novak, however hard he tries in the next two years reaching 40.
There is no way Fed is going to retire because of this loss. Making a comparison with Borg is quite absurd. Borg walked away the age of 26. He was burned out. Fed will be 38 next month. He has stayed in the game far longer than most players. He loves the game. When he retires it will not be because of a tough loss.
Yup- there is no shame in losing to the likes of Nole. The big 3 is made of sterner stuff than that. In fact, Fed has looked quite good on hard court this year. He may just make a run at Cincy and New York. Especially if he gets the second seed at the USO and Novak and Rafa are drawn in the same half, he may fancy his chances there.
Djokovic couldnt believe his luck walking towards the net at the end of the match. the smirk on his face says it all.
As soon he won to go up 12:11 he had a spring in his step because he knew he had a huge advantage going into another TB.
Djokovic’s game holds up better under pressure.