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.
[polldaddy poll=10362490]
who ya got?
Roger Federer in 4 sets.
Federer in 4
Outside of beating Nadal at RG en route to a 2nd title there, I can’t think of something that could be better for Fed’s legacy than getting another win over Novak at a major en route to the title. Even more so if he were able to win a major title beating both Rafa and Novak en route. That’s one thing that Novak and Rafa have both achieved once that Fed hasn’t done. Also just the fact that he would be the oldest major champion ever (I think?). This would be monumental for Fed.
When I weigh all the factors, I still have to give Novak the slight edge. Given all the factors and history, I feel I would be disingenuous to say that Fed has the edge here. Fed absolutely can win this one, and he very well may. But if I had to bet all my money (which isn’t much), I would have to bet on Djokovic in 5. Boy, do I hope I’m wrong! I actually haven’t wanted to be wrong this much in a long time…
Federer will have the crowd strongly on his side. That will bother Djokovic. Whether that will make him weaker or stronger, I don’t know.
It worries me that Fed said he was exhausted after his match with rafa. It’s going to be very difficult to replicate the same level of intensity. It was that extreme focus which won him the match imo, usually it’s Rafa who is most dialled in and the role reversal disconcerted and kind of intimidated Rafa imo. Can he bring it again against nole or will he be flat? Hoping for our lovely Fed fans he can bring it tomorrow.
Is a real danger that after that level of intensity he is flat. Hope not or the final won’t be good.
He was exhausted after the match n he said it just 5 mns post the match. The final will be 43 hours later n he has a team to recover him. He will be fine
Djokovic in 3(i hope)
On SF form, I would have to pick Federer. He played close to his best tennis, whereas I think Novak was a couple steps below his. RBAs game and energy tailed off in sets 3 and 4, which made that match easier for Novak than it might have been. Moreover, Djokovic really hasn’t been the same since winning at the AO earlier this year. Fed has the game, if he serves and executes well, to beat Djokovic. If he returns like he did against Nadal, that will be a bonus.
The real question is whether Fed can bring his SF form or something close to it. (Others will say another question is whether Fed has overcome his mental block against Novak, even if he has against Nadal). He did say he was exhausted, and that was probably both emotional and physical. Is 40-odd hours enough time to recover at his age? We’ll find out, but I think he’ll be ready. I also don’t think this match will go 5 sets. Federer in 4.
He need not but can. Remember the Murray SF in 2015 where he was flawless n then he fell apart sets 3 and 4 in final. I think it will be mental. Rafa was not mentally secure in his sf hence lost as he admitted he was worried about his bh n that nervousness spread all over. Whoever is mentally stronger will win it.
Sounds good Joe. I hope you’re right. I have Fed in 4 too.
Djoko is always playing well in finals. Maybe it’s time for an exception. A niggle, a Cilic moment in 2017 or something like that would help. I know this doesn’t sound very brave, but I want him to win badly. I wouldn’t mind if Djoko helped somehow by not showing as his allost always does.
Why are we wishing an opponent an injury ..please…I don’t think anyone would like it if they wish fed a niggle..it should not happen that what you wish for Nole comes to haunt fed. Let fed win it fair and square rather than by his opponent hobbled like cilic was in 17.
I don’t wish him an injury. I didn’t say that. I hope he’ll not play at his best. Like it’s not his day. Cilic didn’t have an injury come on. He used as an excuse to cover his weak nerves.
Don’t change the meanings of my words, please sanju. I don’t wish injuries to anyone.
I thought he had heavy blisters..that’s what I remember..didn’t he..I thought he took extended medical timeout….I remember something like that ..
Coming to Federer, he has the game to win. It will be all mental. It won’t be easy as djoko is not no 1 by chance. Darren Cahill has picked Federer to win. It about who is mentally strong . 2014 final Federer lost as he was mentally weak in fifth. 2015 clearly Novak was better. I think Federer may give his all tomorrow on court.
That’s a very insensitive comment. Sometimes what you wish for others happens to you. Please don’t let envy or bitterness define you.
Don’t discount Novak has Craig on his side. He studies every match n opponent n patterns. Craig said that in exact 2 points of ao final he could infer Novak is winning ao 19 final.
The brothers McEnroe have made their picks. Both are picking Djokovic. John says in 4, and Patrick says in straight sets!
Patrick is leaning so heavily toward Djokovic because he thinks that Fed had to spend so much emotional energy to carry himself through the match against Nadal, he’s afraid Fed will be too flat against Novak. Even if I don’t agree totally with him, I do understand it. I can’t imagine the level of come-down after that Nadal match, but then having to somehow gather up even MORE 🔥 for facing Novak in the next round, with the title on the line…
That’s the exact same point I made. It’s incredibly difficult to replicate an exceptional level of intensity and the danger is that you have already so far depleted your emotional resources and stamina that you have less and flatness ensues. I am afraid that will happen.
Don’t really agree when it comes to the very top players .Nadal was flat in the AO final , but that was put down to lack of match practise. Four years ago, Fed beat Murray very easily, then did run out of steam in the final as he did the previous year,but that was more down to Noles play.
In this case, the win over Nadal will have given Fed a shot in the arm , if anything , and Nole will have to lift his game. Im hoping for a Fed win in three or four , but if it goes to five , Djoko is the only winner.
Predition : Nole in five.
Eugene..to make you happy many astrologers are predicting roger..supposedly roger has good time till Feb 2020..after that Saturn enters his house till 2022 which is bad..so for Tomm stars are good .he will win likely n probably..
I am rooting for djokovic though not because i prefer him..I like both djoko n fed equally. It’s just to keep fed close to Rafa as I want them both to retire with same number of slams n I don’t see Rafa winning 3 more slams if roger touches 21
I see why you’re rooting fir Djoko sanju. No worries, I would too in your place. Makes sense.
I’ll take that astrology thing 😉 Hope it works.
I tgink the win over Rafa may energize him even more, opposite to make him discharged.
Let’s do it man!
Sanju, so how many more slams you think Rafa could win?
Max 2 lucky..not more..I’m hoping one of them is ao so that he gets double career slam
Sanju, I doubt. I’ll bet that Rafa will win > 2 more slams.
I think Rafa will be determined to win the coming USO, after suffering a disappointing loss at Wimbledon. Rafa seemed confused out there when playing against Djoko at AO and Fed at Wimbledon. I think he was caught between playing offensive or defensive tennis.
Against other players, his newly acquired offensive game is sufficient; but against Djoko, who defends so well, he will definitely need to get into tussles with Djoko. Against Fed, who’s more aggressive than anyone else, he’ll need his defence more, but, he also needs his aggression especially from the baseline, like his passing shots winners from both wings (not only from the FH) and his ROS and serve too. He needs to find the balance, if not he’s not going to beat them.
To me, if Rafa could make his offensive game becomes a natural part of his game, he will not need to think so much but let his game flows freely. Rafa is already so good, that once he plays freely, his groundstrokes etc are there and are devastating enough against his opponents, but sadly, he only plays this way when he’s about to lose, or when he knows he has no chance of winning (like the AO2014 final for example, the set that he won against Stan, he was hitting without missing, and serving without thinking).
I’m looking forward to the day when Rafa can play his defence/offence game at will, without having to think too much.
Yes but lucky if he was all confused there like a deer with headlights..what makes you think he will resolve it as soon as the uso..both djoko n fed will have to lose before facing him for that..it’s not as if he is short of matches like Serena was yest who also seemed confused out there what to do
Lucky do you think that the confusion in Rafa ‘s game between playing offense and defence is partly the result of a split in coaching attitudes between Carlos and Toni? Toni has tended to emphasise getting one more ball back and making the opponent play while we know Carlos wants Rafa to play aggressive as early as possible. I know Carlos should be the predominant voice now but Rafa has been trained by Toni from such an early age and for so long…He still comments on Rafa’s game afterall..
Hi Sanju and Amy,
First Sanju, I think Rafa still has time to work on his game. The USO HC is not as quick as grass and not as low bouncing, so Rafa can actually play it like his FO final (where he played an excellent match, switching from baseline rallies vs Thiem to turning aggressive in set three and four).
On grass, Rafa simply lacked competitive matches before coming to Wimbledon, and the quicker low bouncing surface takes time getting used to. He only had one really competitive match ie vs Kyrgios, the other three opponents weren’t competitive at all, so facing Fed in the SF was really a big step up.
I feel Rafa wasn’t confident with his aggressive game vs Fed, he tried in the first set, but Fed read his lefty serve out wide at the Ad court so well and returned it with interest, forcing Rafa to be on the defence right away. (I read that Fed practiced with Llodra and Niemenen before the match). Once Rafa’s aggressive game wasn’t effective, he started playing his usual long rallies, but note that Rafa was playing further from the baseline even on grass (very surprising to me), I watched his 2018 match vs Delpo, he was also playing further from the baseline. He wasn’t playing like that during 2012-2014, I remember those matches where he played against Kukushkin and Rosol, he was close to the baseline then.
I do feel that Rafa should play a warm up event on grass, he needs competitive matches to make him realise what he needs to improve on and to get a feel of competing on grass. If he can serve and move well and feels confident on grass, I don’t think we need to worry about his draw anymore at Wimbledon!
Amy – yes, I think Rafa is confused, we can’t ignore Toni’s influence on Rafa. I really think what Toni said after the Shanghai final, ie Rafa should try to extend the point and not play to Fed’s pace, did influence the way Rafa played in this SF. Once I saw Toni in the player box, I knew why Rafa played the way he played, not that Toni was telling him anything, but his presence was felt.
To me, it’s only on clay that Rafa really was so confident that he need not listen to any of his coaches and play the way he send fit, because he’s winning so much that no coach could tell him he’s doing anything wrong!
*and plays the way he deems fit,
2 more Frenches
I doubt any at any other slam, but perhaps 1 on either hard or grass.
Thanks lucky! I agree with you! I don’t also like that Moya isn’t there at wimby. I feel that Roig has much less authority and that Toni’s voice becomes confusing. Also I think.we would all like Rafa to.have a serve coach!
Yes agreed! The serve is very important at this stage of his career. He needs a great serve to win on grass as he’s not his 2008 self anymore.
First of all,Congratulations to the Maestro fans on here,it was quite a performance from your man on the semi!
The level he brought to the match was absolutely insane,given his age IMO.
Now that the BH isn’t a liability anymore,Rafa’s running out of ideas against Federer and getting nervous,going back to defense,which obviously isn´t paying dividends because he hasn’t the speed to back it up anymore. I also noticed that Fed’s lateral movement was up par,that FH on the run has been really good this fortnight!
Looking ahead to the final,certainly from a Rafa fan point of view,a Djokovic win would ensure that the slam gap for Rafa stays the same. Well,I’m rooting for Federer to get it all. I mean,of course it’s slow grass and Djoko is the GOAT returner,but it’s also really low bouncing this year,so I think Fed has a good shot at the title and he really deserves it for this campaign so far.
Also,Novak hasn’t looked in supreme form this Wimby,and so far he’s looking anything but unbeatable(of course he’ll be fired up facing one of his archi rivals. We’ll see how Djoko deals with the immense pressure on him,as I think that if he’s loosing tomorrow,he’s saying goodbye to the slam race.
It remains to be seen wether Roger will be tired(emotionally and physically) but I think Fed’s confidence will be running high on him after taking out Rafa.
Here’s hoping for an absolute cracker of a final!
Gaviria, I don’t agree. Djoko is one guy that the more you cheer against him, the more fired up he becomes. Also, never underestimate Djoko in a slam final against his two main rivals, he will bring his best regardless of how poorly he played during the earlier rounds.
Even if he loses this, that doesn’t mean it’s the end of his slam winning and chasing (the leaders) days; he’s just so good that he could just continue to win at the USO, AO and the next Wimbledon all over again. So, whether he remains at 15 or gets to 16 after this final, he’ll continue to win many slams imo.
My take is, he’ll surpass both Fed and Rafa in greatness, with most slams, most Masters, most YE no.1 and most weeks at number one, most prize money.
fed in 4.
One huge factor for Fed will be the crowd . This could be his last ever Wimby final , and how many people will be cheering against him?
Interesting how the Macs are picking Djoko , John said Fed in five over Rafa.
Fed won’t retire
As a neutral fan,i will go with Novak in 4….
The crowd will be a huge factor for Novak today..i think he will use the crowd siding with Fed effectively…the louder they cheered for Fed,the more determined he will be…
But i will not be surprise if the Maestro pulled the win today…nothing surprises me bout Fed anymore!hahaha…
Best of luck to both greats!
I hope Fed wins, but I think it’ll be Djoker in 4.
Fed in 5
Djoko in four or five sets I think. The guy Djoko can just stay in the point for as long as possible without making mistakes, scary.
I watched some highlights of their Wimbledon match (don’t know which year – 2014 or 2015 – the points were long baseline rallies and Djoko was playing close to the baseline (something Rafa couldnt do these days when during Wimbledon 2012-2014 he was playing close to the baseline, don’t understand why the change these days). Both were playing well then.
Let’s see whether Fed could stay with Djoko from the baseline in the final; I think Djoko will try his best to pin Fed to the baseline. Djoko’s returns will be very important, in stopping Fed from S&V and rushing the net.
So can Fed these days, its something he has been working on the past few years. IMO, Fed has been the best player for most of this year excluding the clay court season. Djokovic will need to be exceptional to win this final and so far we havent seen anything close to it.
Djoko winning the AO tops it all on the HCs.
10 to 15 percent chance of rain they say Amy..is 2012 repeating where andy was coasting ahead till it rained n they closed the roof
It’s quite humid sanju! But Nole is fantastic indoors as well as fed!