Novak Djokovic one win away from historic Wimbledon title

It’s now or never for Novak Djokovic who will face heavyweight Matteo Berrettini in the men’s singles Wimbledon final on Sunday. Ahead of the final, he admitted that “it will mean everything” to capture a sixth Wimbledon title and record-equalling 20th Grand Slam.

If the Djoker manages to lift the elusive title, he will draw level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on career majors victory.  He will also go three-quarters of the way to the first calendar Slam in more than half a century.

The Serbian is appearing in his 7th Wimbledon final and 30th at the Slams. Only Federer, with 31, has more appearances in championships. However, it is to be seen that Djokovic is more than five years younger than the 39-year-old Swiss Maestro.

“It would mean everything. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m playing,” said Djokovic who has already captured a ninth Australian Open and second French Open in 2021.

The victory in Paris made him just the third man to win all four majors more than once. Other players to achieve this feat is Don Budge (1937) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969)

“I imagined myself being in a position to fight for another Grand Slam trophy prior to coming to London. I put myself in a very good position. Anything is possible in the finals. Obviously, experience is on my side,” the Serbian great said.

“The dream keeps going. I am trying to take out the maximum of my own abilities every single match and see what happens. Giving up is never an option,” he said about the final.

However, what he has in his opponent is Italian Berrettini, the 25-year-old who has a bigger built than Djokovic. In the run-up to Wimbledon, the Italian has raked up quite famous wins and his current performance could make him a big roadblock for Djokovic.

The first-ever Italian in Wimbledon final, if Berretinni emerges out victorious, it will make him Italy’s first male Slam champion since Adriano Panatta at the 1976 French Open.

In his previous two encounters against Djokovic, he was on the losing side, including the quarters at French Open.

But he is on a run of 11-0 this season on grass having won the Queen’s Club event on the eve of Wimbledon. He had beaten Andy Murray, as well.

At the All England Club, he has blasted his way to the final on the back of a tournament-leading 101 aces.

Berrettini also boasts the second-fastest serve so far, 223.7kmh in his first-round win over Guido Pella of Argentina.

“It’s going to be a great atmosphere. My first final in Wimbledon, it’s just crazy to think about it,” said Berrettini.

Whatever the outcome of the match may be, it is safe to say that this tie will be remembered for a long time.