Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal may have produced more instant classics throughout their historic rivalry, but the “Big 4” matchup that delivers competitive and entertaining matches on the most consistent basis is Federer vs. Novak Djokovic.
There is also no matchup this sport has seen more often.
Federer and Djokovic will be facing each other for the 48th time when they meet again in the Wimbledon final on Sunday afternoon. Djokovic leads the head-to-head series 25-22, with an 8-2 record in their last 10 encounters dating back to the spring of 2015. The Serb is 2-1 against Federer at the All-England Club, with triumphs in the 2014 and 2015 finals following a loss in the 2012 semis.
They most recently collided this past fall on the indoor hard courts of Paris, and it did not disappoint. Djokovic survived a 7-6(6), 5-7, 7-6(3) semifinal thriller.
Based on current form in addition to the head-to-head history, another fun one should be in the cards. Federer has followed up an encouraging clay-court campaign with an 11-0 record on grass. On the heels of a 10th title in Halle, the 37-year old punched his ticket to a 12th Wimbledon final with victories over Lloyd Harris, Jay Clarke, Lucas Pouille, Matteo Berrettini, Kei Nishikori, and Rafael Nadal. Although the 40th showdown between Federer and Nadal featured high-quality tennis, the Swiss finished it four and he has not yet played a five-setter.
“Federer, we all know how good he is anywhere–but especially here,” Djokovic praised. “This surface complements his game very much. He loves to play very fast; takes away the time from his opponent. (He) just doesn’t give you any same looks; he just rushes you to everything. So for players maybe like Nadal or myself that like to have a little more time, it’s a constant pressure that you have to deal with.
“I’ve played with Roger in some epic finals here a couple years in a row, so I know what to expect.”
Djokovic has dropped two sets along the way to Federer’s three, defeating Philipp Kohlschreiber, Denis Kudla, Hubert Hurkacz (four), Ugo Humbert, David Goffin, and Roberto Bautista Agut (four).
As well as Nadal played in London, this is arguably the most fitting final in terms of both seeding and overall Wimbledon success. Federer is 101-12 lifetime at this event with eight titles; Djokovic is 71-10 and has won it four times.
Following his win over Nadal, Federer said that the “stars are aligned right now” and that “from that standpoint I can go into (this) match very confident.” For many reasons, the stars are most definitely aligned for a great one on Sunday. But for Federer? The second seed admitted after the semifinals that he was “exhausted,” whereas a well-rested Djokovic has been coasting past people for the most part. Federer can take this to five if he serves as well as he usually does at Wimbledon, but an edge goes to the world No. 1.
Pick: Djokovic in 5
[polldaddy poll=10362490]
Pick: Serena Williams 2-0 (completely wrong)
Pick: Nadal 3-1 (completely wrong)
Pick: Djokovic 3-2 (pure luck)