Novak Djokovic has lifted the Roger Federer ‘curse’, tongue firmly ensconced in cheek. The seven-time Wimbledon champion defeated Alex de Minaur in four sets at the Centre Court on Monday to reach the quater-finals. Federer watched the match from his smart seats and during the post-match interview on court, Djokovic mentioned that and resorted to a bit of light-hearted banter.
“It’s probably the first time he (Federer) has watched me and I won the match,” said Djokovic. “The last couple I lost, so it’s good to break the curse.”
Then, he tipped his hat to his former rival. “It’s great to have Roger here, someone I admired and respected a lot. It’s great to have him back at his most successful and favourite tournament, no doubt.”
Federer won eight Wimbledon singles titles. He, along with Rafael Nadal and Djokovic, formed the ‘holy trinity’ of tennis for nearly two decades. Federer and Nadal have hung up their racquets. Djokovic is the last legend standing, seeded sixth in the ongoing Championship.
Djokovic had a slow start against de Minaur, so bad that on BBC, the legendary John McEnroe remarked that the 38-year-old Serbian might “quit on the spot”.
“It’s not going to happen that he continues to play this badly,” said McEnroe. “If he did for two more sets, he would quit on the spot.” Djokovic, though, bounced back to claim the next three sets and eke out a hard-fought win.
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Post-match, Djokovic saw the funny side of it, saying that a bit of Federer’s brand of tennis would have helped him against de Minaur. “Sometimes I wish I had the serve and volley, and nice touch of the gentleman (Federer) standing right there. That would help. But I can’t complain,” said Djokovic.
The veteran wasn't hitting the ball well in the first set, but gradually found his rhythm. De Minaur pushed him a lot, but Djokovic prevailed, showing remarkable stamina and athleticism. “I still have to run a lot and that’s fine,” said Djokovic. “I was trying to mix it up. I didn’t feel the ball so well in the first set but I got used to the conditions and started to find my forehand.”
Djokovic is one of the greatest players in the history of the game and yet, when Federer is watching him from the courtside, it's added pressure. The former spoke about it after losing to Jannik Sinner in the Shanghai Masters final last year. Federer was present for that match as well.
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