In Friday’s semi-finals top seed Djokovic was a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 winner against Roberto Bautista Agut, while second seed Federer beat Rafael Nadal in a thriller 7-6 (7-3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.
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The 2019 Wimbledon final between two of the “GOATs” of men’s tennis pits 20-time grand slam winner Federer against 15-time grand slam winner Djokovic.
Swiss star Federer, 37, is going for his ninth Wimbledon title while Djokovic is aiming to win his fifth. Serbian Djokovic, 32, has twice beaten Federer before in Wimbledon finals - in 2014 and 2015.
After watching his rival’s semi-final victory, Federer said: “He played great against Bautista Agut. Novak was supreme. He is the defending champion and has showed why. He has been rock-solid.
“I hope I can push him to the brink and hopefully beat him but it’s going to be very difficult. I’m very excited to say the least.”
How to watch on TV
The final on Sunday will be shown live in the UK on BBC One. Coverage begins at 12.45pm and the match starts at 2pm.
What they said after the semi-finals
Djokovic, who beat Bautista Agut
“Wimbledon finals are something different. This has been the dream tournament for me since I was a child so to be in another final is a dream come true.
“Regardless of the history and many finals I’ve played, playing finals at Wimbledon is something different so I’ll definitely enjoy that experience.
“I had to dig deep. It’s the semi-finals and Roberto was playing his first grand slam semi-final. He was not overwhelmed. He played really well. He was managing his nerves in the first set but later on he established himself and started to play better.
“I got a bit tight. It was a close opening four or five games of the third set - that’s where the match could have gone a different way. I’m glad it went my way.”
Federer, who beat Nadal
“I’m exhausted. It was tough at the end. Rafa played some unbelievable shots to stay in the match. The match was played at a very high level.
“The biggest points in the match went my way. There were tight ones and long rallies. That first set was huge to get the lead and try to protect it. He came back very strongly in the second set. It was a joy to play.”
Djokovic and Federer: head-to-head
Novak Djokovic
Nationality: Serbian
Age: 32
World ranking: 1
Career titles: 74
Grand slam titles: 15 - 7 x Australian Open: 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019 - 1 x French Open: 2016 - 4 x Wimbledon: 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018 - 3 x US Open: 2011, 2015, 2018
Big titles: 53 (15 grand slams; 5 ATP finals; 33 ATP Masters 1000 titles)
Roger Federer
Nationality: Swiss
Age: 37
World ranking: 3
Career titles: 101
Grand slam titles: 20 - 6 x Australian Open: 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018 - 1 x French Open: 2009 - 8 x Wimbledon: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017 - 5 x US Open: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Big titles: 54 (20 grand slams; 6 ATP Finals; 28 ATP Masters 1000 titles)
Previous meetings
The duo have faced each other 47 times in their professional tennis careers. Djokovic has won 25 times compared to Federer’s 22 victories.
At Wimbledon they have three previous encounters. Djokovic beat Federer in the 2014 and 2015 finals. Federer beat Djokovic in the 2012 semi-final.
Predictions: who will win the men’s title?
The Daily Telegraph
“Federer, who will be 38 next month, is the oldest men’s singles finalist since Ken Rosewall in 1974 and now faces old foe Djokovic, the top seed and holder, seeking to avenge his losses to the Serb in the 2014 and 2015 finals. For the romantics, it has to be Federer. For the realists, Djokovic. Prediction: Djokovic to win in four.”
Daniel Rapaport, Sports Illustrated
“Federer is going to win a set. He has to win a set, right? But I think that’s all he’ll get. Novak is just too steady, and that semi-final took too much out of Roger. Novak in four.”
Gianni Verschueren, Bleacher Report
“This final is shaping up to be a great one, as neither player stands out as the clear favourite. Djokovic’s recent record over Federer would suggest he has the inside track, but the two haven’t met on grass since 2015, a surface on which the Swiss veteran is unbeaten so far this year. His [Federer’s] track record of success at Wimbledon is impressive, and his game is perfectly suited for the quicker lawn courts. Djokovic has had his number of late, however, and has already won a grand slam this year. Prediction: Djokovic outlasts Federer in a five-set epic.”
Vedant Chandel, SportsKeeda
“The Swiss has the edge in terms of craftiness and variety of shots, but he possesses a losing record against Djokovic at the All England Club. The Serb has come out on top in two of their three previous encounters in Wimbledon, including the 2014 and 2015 finals. He has also beaten the Swiss in eight of their last 10 matches and definitely enters this contest as the favourite. However, Federer has the ability to turn things around. He has also played at a higher level in this tournament thus far and that could hold him in good stead heading into this encounter. Prediction: Roger Federer in four sets.”
Nurein Ahmed, Last Word on Tennis
“It’s remarkable to witness just how Djokovic has been able to turn the tables in this rivalry over the years. Not only does he have a physical edge in this one, but he also possesses incredible mental strength as evidenced with his last three successive victories over Federer. As good as the Swiss has played this fortnight, this was always going to be the toughest hurdle and the Serbian world No.1 will be too good again. Prediction: Djokovic in 4.”
Yesh Ginsburg, Last Word on Tennis
“The last two times this pair met in Wimbledon finals, Djokovic came out ahead. This year seems different, though. Federer looks in such good form. His serve is lethal, and his return is on point. He’s playing like it’s a decade ago. Djokovic is also playing well, but on grass I give Federer the tiny edge. Prediction: Federer in 4.”
Mark Hall, Tennis Tonic
“The last time that they squared off, Djokovic won in the semi-final in Paris back in 2018. The favourite for Tennis Tonic is Novak Djokovic should win in 5 sets.”
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