Wimbledon: Djokovic says he’s gunning for Federer’s records

AAP
Jul 14, 2019, updated Jul 14, 2019

Federer in his sights: Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon. Photo: Getty

Novak Djokovic has warned Roger Federer that he is coming for his records ahead of their Wimbledon final on Monday morning (AEST)

Djokovic, the reigning champion and world No.1, has eased through to his sixth SW19 showpiece and victory over eight-time winner Federer would earn him a 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.

Roger Federer during his semi-final win against Rafael Nadal. Photo: Getty

Another record in his sight is the most weeks at world No.1, another milestone Federer holds with 310.

The Serbian is currently on 260, but if he continues to dominate the men’s game he could have surpassed that by this time next year.

And the 32-year-old admits he is “looking to make history”.

“I don’t see this as my job or as my work,” he said.

“I’ve done enough in my career so I can stop tennis, professional tennis, at any time. But I don’t do it for those reasons.

“My first reason is because I really enjoy it. I still do. I have support from my family. Of course, I am looking to make history in this sport.

Of course, I would love to have a shot at as many grand slam titles as possible. Those are probably the top goals and ambitions.

“Next to that is the historic No.1, which is not so far away.”

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.

Federer, who had to beat his greatest rival Rafael Nadal in the semi-final to reach what is his 12th showpiece, 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.”

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 Serbian lost his cool in his semi-final against Roberto Bautista Agut when the crowd were cheering in the Spaniard’s favour and former British No.1 Tim Henman thinks that could be a factor in the match.

“Federer’s got to play even better but I think the crowd will have a really big part to play,” Henman said on the BBC.

“We saw even against Bautista Agut, Djokovic gets a little bit frustrated. The crowd will be massively on Federer’s side.

“I think if Federer can get off to a good start, he has a chance. Djokovic is the favourite. I’m going to say Djokovic to win but I’ll go five sets.”

HOW THE MEN’S WIMBLEDON FINALISTS MATCH-UP

NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB) leads ROGER FEDERER (SUI) 25-22

(9-6 at grand slams)

2016 Australian Open, hard, SF, Djokovic 6-1 6-2 3-6 6-3

2015 US Open, hard, F, Djokovic 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4

2015 Wimbledon, grass, F, Djokovic 7-6 (7-1) 6-7 (10-12) 6-4 6-3

2014 Wimbledon, grass, F, Djokovic 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 5-7 6-4

2012 Wimbledon, grass, SF, Federer 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3

2012 French Open, clay, SF, Djokovic 6-4 7-5 6-3