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Despite the fear that his best days are behind him, Novak Djokovic rediscovers his self-shock
ODDS-ON PICK. Serbia's Novak Djokovic is the favorite against South African Kevin Anderson in the men's singles final. Photo by Glyn Kirk / AFP
LONDON, UK – Novak Djokovic is the big favorite to win a fourth Wimbledon title on Sunday, July 15th but he admits he's worried that his best days his career has plunged in the last year
The former world number one 31-year-old won the last of his 12 majors at the 2016 French Open when he finished the Grand Slam career.
And after a crash In the quarterfinals this year at Roland Garros, which saw its world ranking drop to its lowest in 12 years the Serbian even considered sitting Wimbledon where he was champion in 2011, 2014 and 2015.
Saturday, Djokovic was the star of boxing, beating his old rival Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (11/9), 3- 6, 10-8 in an epic semifinal for a sunday title contest with Kevin Anderson.
"Yes, there were moments of doubt, frustration, disappointment, where you wonder if you want it to continue," said Djokovic in a Slam final for the first time since he finished second at the US Open 2016.
C & # 39; was at Wimbledon last year where his troubles An elbow injury forced him to retire to the quarterfinals and he has was eliminated in 2017.
He was then eliminated from the Australian Open in the round of 32 in January by Hyeon Chung, then ranked 58th.
Taro Daniel, the Japanese ranked 109 player, surprised him in Indian Wells before Benoit Paire, at 47 in the standings, knocked him out of Miami.
In what became a familiar tale, Martin Klizan, at 140, ousted him in Barcelona before there were signs of life with a run at the finals at Queen's Club on the eve of Wimbledon
"I managed to overcome challenges and obstacles, get to the final of a slam". Djokovic
"Obviously, if you told me 6 months ago, I would get it right away."
"But did I really think I could get back to the level? Yes, I mean, it's hard for me to play tennis and not to believe that I can be the best in what I do. "This year, he faced unruly crowds, claiming that elements of Center Court were "unfair" in his victory over home hope Kyle Edmund, and in his weird schedule
.Court two for his second round
He will take a career record of 5 -1 on 32-year-old Anderson in sunday final
His only loss was in 2008, when he twice beat the great South African in two of his victorious campaigns at Wimbledon in 2011 and 2015.
Anderson is the first South African man since Brian Norton in 1921 to reach the Wimbledon final.
He is also just the 3rd African to reach this stage after Norton and Jaroslav Drobny who represented Egypt when he made the match of cham Pioneering in 1952 and 1954.
"I really hope that's one," said Anderson after his epic semifinal win of 36 minutes over John Isner, the second-longest single match never played at the Grand Slam.
The US Open 2017 runner-up had eliminated 8 Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, also in 5 sets, saved a match point en route.
The player from Johannesburg, Florida, spent 21 hours on the field to reach the final.
[19659028] Sunday's final may not be easy for Anderso n having shot up to 172a while having the fastest 4th fastest time at 225km / h (140 mph).
"I do not know if I'll be the big favorite in this game, I think we're all right," insisted Djokovic.
"He definitely plays tennis in his life, he has just won two epic victories in five sets and I do not think he has much to lose."
"He's going out with big services and big tennis I hope that I will be able to overcome the storm. "
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