Novak Djokovic has promised to be as sharp as ever in the Wimbledon final against Andy Murray, despite being “pushed to the limit” by Juan Martin del Potro.
This year’s championships will live long in the memory, with major upsets complemented by exquisite tennis.
Yesterday’s semi-final between Djokovic and Del Potro was arguably the best of the bunch and, at four hours and 44 minutes, it knocks the 1989 last-four clash between Boris Becker and Ivan Lendl out of future record books.
Three-time champion John McEnroe suggested the physical toil of the match helps to make Murray favourite, but Serbian Djokovic insists it will not have an adverse impact on his performance.
“Physically, even in the fifth set, there was a lot of falls, sliding, running, long exchanges, and I still feel I’m okay,” he said.
“Of course, I’ll be a little bit more tired than I was after my previous matches.
“It’s not the first time I’ve been in this situation. I’ve been in worse situations actually before, like in the Australian Open in 2012, or on several occasions where I managed to recover, managed to win the title in the final, managed to feel fresh and play another six hours. I’m ready and I’m looking forward to that.”
Whether that proves to be the case or not, only time will tell.
It is true that Djokovic did not look as tired as Del Potro in yesterday’s semi-final clash, which the top seed eventually won 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7/2) 6-7 (6/8) 6-3.
“I’ve had some epic matches in my career and some long five-setters,” said Djokovic, Wimbledon champion in 2011.
“The one that especially stands out is the final against [Rafael] Nadal at the Australian Open a few years ago. It went for six hours.
“But I have the experience of playing long matches, and I know that I have been pushed to the limit [by Del Potro], as my opponent was also.
“It was one of the most thrilling matches that I have ever played, especially here in Wimbledon.
“It was a very high quality of tennis from the first to the last point. There were not many unforced errors. I think there were a lot of winners. We both tried to dictate the play.
“I did have opportunities in the fourth set when I was a break up and had match points in the tie-breaker to end the match earlier.
“But credit to him, because he showed his fighting spirit. From the back of the court he came up with some amazing flat backhands and forehands that you cannot say anything but congratulate him on and move on.
“But I managed to hang in there, stay tough, and I’m really glad to win.”