Federer targeting Djokovic scalp

11 July 2015 04:31

Roger Federer insists last year's final defeat to Novak Djokovic is not on his mind as the Swiss looks to beat the world number one on Sunday and secure a record eighth Wimbledon title.

Federer fell at the last hurdle 12 months ago as Djokovic edged a five-set thriller to win his second title at Wimbledon and seventh grand slam overall.

The Serbian will be wary of Federer exacting revenge this time around, however, given the 17-time major champion's scintillating form in the tournament so far, which saw him crush Andy Murray in straight sets on Friday.

It promises to be less straightforward against Djokovic, who has beaten Federer twice already this year and can become the first man to successfully defend a Wimbledon title since his opponent achieved the feat in 2007.

"I don't really think about the match we played against each other last year," Federer said. "I just remember it was unbelievably thrilling and the crowd really got into it

"It's great to play Novak anywhere these days because he's a great player. He's had great success, unbelievable success actually, throughout his career but especially the last few years, he's been unbelievably dominant.

"He's become very match tough. He always shows up. It's tough to beat him. He's been very injury free. He's been good for the game.

"I'm just happy personally for myself to be back in a final. That it's against Novak, the world number one, it obviously adds something extra."

Federer appeared to be on the decline when a back injury saw his results dip in 2013 but the 33-year-old has enjoyed a revival under coach Stefan Edberg in the past 18 months.

His performance against Murray was as impressive as any of his victories on Centre Court, and if he can overcome Djokovic he will move one ahead of Pete Sampras in the Wimbledon title stakes.

Federer may also take added satisfaction in proving wrong the doubters, who predicted the Swiss master's best days were behind him not long after his last major victory in 2012.

"It doesn't matter what they think really, I see it as a chance to connect with a fan who is actually supporting me," Federer said.

"I know what I'm trying to achieve. I actually forget the negativity of the rest.

"I think I've been unbelievably positive throughout my career.

"Of course the negativity has also got to me at times but thankfully not too often and not for too long."

Djokovic has been the outstanding player on tour so far this year, despite a shock defeat to Stan Wawrinka in the French Open final last month, and he will head into Sunday's final as narrow favourite.

The fans on Centre Court are likely to throw their support behind Federer, however, and Djokovic has previously cracked under the pressure of a hostile crowd.

"Roger and I played many times, he's one of my greatest rivals," Djokovic said. "He's one of the people that actually made me a better player, as well.

"In the matches against him, I went through a lot of different emotions and things that allowed me to understand what I need to do to become a better player and to win against him and win grand slam trophies.

"He's so good and so consistent, we shouldn't spend too much words about him. We all know how good he is. He's the greatest ever. There's not enough praises for what he does.

"This is where he loves to play. This is where he plays his best tennis, the Centre Court of Wimbledon, seven titles - it's his court. He loves it.

"He's always playing his toughest when it matters the most and that's why he's a big champion."

Source: PA