Wimbledon men’s final: Djokovic ready to live up to his own lofty expectations against Alcaraz
The Hindu
Novak Djokovic aims for record 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, facing pressure and high expectations.
Without a title for over six months, Novak Djokovic is now within touching distance of a record 25th Grand Slam trophy — with the all-conquering Serb saying Wimbledon always brings the best out of him.
For a champion who has become accustomed to trampling over the opposition while amassing almost 100 titles in his career, this lean spell is not something he is used to.
The 37-year-old lost in his Australian Open fortress at the start of the year, with his bid to win a record-extending 11th Melbourne Park title cut short in the semi-finals.
A knee injury then prematurely ended his French Open title defence last month.
So when he reached the All England Club final after a 6-4 7-6(2) 6-4 win over Lorenzo Musetti Friday, he was finally living up to his own lofty expectations.
Standing in his way to an eighth Wimbledon crown that will see him equal Roger Federer's mark is Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who beat Djokovic in last year's title clash.
"I'm aware that Roger holds eight Wimbledons. I hold seven. History is on the line. Also, the 25th potential Grand Slam. It serves as a great motivation, but at the same time it's also a lot of pressure and expectations," Djokovic told reporters.