Djokovic: “I am aware that Roger has 8 Wimbledons and I have 7”

Ten finals at Wimbledon, 37 Grand Slam finals, we could fill several entire pages talking about the data of Novak Djokovic in his career. But no, let's focus on the latest feat of a 37-year-old man who underwent meniscus surgery just over a month ago and who will once again step onto the threshold of history this Sunday. A legendary figure that entered the press room with a smile of satisfaction after defeating Lorenzo Musetti in three sets to set up a rematch of last year's final at Wimbledon against Carlos Alcaraz.

Tenth final at Wimbledon

"In a way, all of this is surreal, it has always been my favorite tournament since childhood, I always say that. I always remind myself not to take anything for granted, especially when you are playing in the finals of the most important tournament in the history of this sport. When I arrived at Wimbledon, I wasn't sure if I would play until 3-4 days before, but I made an extra effort to recover as quickly as possible just because it was Wimbledon. I am very happy to reach the final, although I wasn't thinking about this in the early rounds, I was just focused on moving well and not getting hurt, feeling somehow free. I think this didn't happen until the third or fourth round, that's when I started playing close to my best form, when I saw that I would have a chance to fight for the title."

Rivalry with Alcaraz

"The Wimbledon final is the most watched tennis match of the year worldwide, not only in England, so I suppose it adds more importance to the day. I am not sure if I will break Carlos's (Alcaraz) heart, I have no interest in doing that, I think he is still very young even though he already has three Grand Slam titles and is aiming for the fourth. He surprised us all last year with the way he played at Queen's and Wimbledon; for someone who grew up in Spain, something like that could not have been expected, maybe it would have been more expected at Roland Garros, as it happened this season, or at the US Open, as it did years ago. But the way he has moved on grass these last two years has been great, I see many similarities between him and me in terms of adapting to surfaces. I would say that is his greatest trait; he has the skills to play well anywhere and adapt to any opponent on a particular day. He is a very complete player, it is impressive what he has achieved at such a young age, I am sure he will win a lot in his career."

A miraculous recovery

"I don't want to prove people wrong, I was just focused on playing Wimbledon once again. I wasn't reckless, that would mean going against the doctors who were leading my rehabilitation, but that never happened. Once we started the rehabilitation, I followed every daily step, I even did more than that to get to Wimbledon, being aware of it. Then we agreed not to talk about my participation until 3-4 days before the start of the tournament. Until I arrived in London and tested my knee on the court, playing training sets, we wouldn't know how it would react. The whole process of these last 20 days is what has given us the positive indications. I understand people may think everything has been very premature, or that I was reckless, but I don't think I was. Let's not forget that Taylor Fritz, in a very similar case to mine, managed to return in 21 days after surgery and played several rounds here of 4-5 sets, it was great. It was very encouraging for me to know that there was already someone who had been through that situation."

Musetti's compliments on his performance

"I can't speak to how he felt on the court or how he was playing, he knows that best. What I thought is that maybe he didn't do the best he could, although I played very well at certain moments, probably played at a level good enough to win in straight sets. Honestly, I don't think I played my best tennis. I would say my best match of the year was against Rune, I felt better on the court, it was a different encounter. Musetti came from a good tour, first Grand Slam semifinal, he had nothing to lose. He is a tricky player because of the slice he has and how he defends, knows how to serve and volley, is very crafty and has a complete game. He can hit any shot, he has a lot of talent, you don't know what to expect with each shot he makes. In the second set, it was close, the result could have been different depending on that set. Probably, in the crucial moments of each set, I played a bit better than him, which was enough."

The history at stake

"I am aware that Roger has 8 Wimbledon titles and I have seven, history is at stake, as well as a potential #25 Grand Slam. Of course, this serves as motivation, but at the same time, it entails pressure and expectations. Every time I step onto the court, I know I am 37 years old and I am competing against 21-year-old guys, but I still expect to win most matches; people expect me to win 99% of my matches. Whenever I go out there, I have to do my best to match Carlos, Jannik, Sascha, or Daniil. This year has not been as successful for me; it is probably the weakest first half of the year I have had in many years, but it's okay; I had to adapt and accept it, try to find a way out of an injury and regroup everything. Many years, I didn't arrive at Wimbledon with the desired level and ended up winning the title; things changed there. Wimbledon brings out the best in me; it motivates me to always show up and perform to the best of my ability. I am aware of what is at stake in every Grand Slam I play; there is always history in play, I use it as fuel to play my best tennis."

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