Djokovic and Anderson determined to cap draining journeys in style

Prevailing in the two longest semi-finals in Wimbledon history, the duo are seeking a silverware success to cap very different journeys.

26-24 are numbers that Anderson will never forget. That’s the final set scoreline from his six hours and 36 minute tussle with towering American John Isner to reach a maiden SW19 final.

“Definitely when the tournament is finished, regardless of what happens, I think there will be a lot to think back on,” stated the South African. “It was a very emotional match. I was emotional after the match. I need to reset as much as possible for Sunday.”

It could have been so different for the world No.8. A lacklustre first round exit at Queen’s at the hands of Leonardo Mayer didn’t exactly scream Wimbledon finalist.

Over to The All England Club, the 32-year-old chalked up a staggering comeback from two sets and a match point down to topple reigning champion Roger Federer.

“I don't feel like there's massive secrets,” added Anderson, reflecting on his run to the final Sunday at SW19. “I work really hard. I have good goals. I'm always looking to improve. I've got a great team behind me. I have a lot of support.

“I feel like some of my best tennis I feel is still ahead of me. Look at the game, I think there's still areas I can do better, improve both physically, mentally, emotionally.”

It’s that positive perspective, the relentless determination that has sent Anderson into his second Major final during his 10th showing in south west London.

“It's very special. Growing up in South Africa, we had kind of sort of limited access to available tournaments. Wimbledon was the most iconic event,” declared Anderson with immense pride flying his country’s flag.

“At the US Open (2017) I was in the finals. Maybe I felt sort of my crowning achievement was actually getting to the finals. Definitely hungry to go one step further.”

Anderson, the first South African to reach the Wimbledon final since Brian Norton in 1921, has to contend with 12-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic for his name to be etched onto the Roll of Honour.

The resurgent Serbian boasts a 5-1 head-to-head record facing Anderson, including a 2015 Wimbledon classic 6-7(6) 6-7(6) 6-1 6-4 7-5 in favour of Djokovic.

The former world No.1 has endured a well-documented turbulent spell of injuries and loss of form over the past two campaigns.

However, the world No.21 has rocketed back to his gladiatorial best this fortnight. This was exemplified in his 6-4 3-6 7-6(9) 3-6 10-8 triumph over perennial title rival Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.

"These kind of matches you work for, you live for. I’m overwhelmed,” said an emotional Djokovic, holding back the tears during his post-match media commitments.

“This match was extraordinary from every point of view. It's been a long 15 months for me trying to overcome different obstacles. Incredibly proud to overcome it.”

Withstanding the barrage of shots from Nadal with astonishing retrieval and potent accuracy, Djokovic’s reward was a 250th Grand Slam match-win and a 22nd Major final.

During his Wimbledon fortnight, Djokovic has ousted the calibre of Kyle Edmund, Karen Khachanov and Kei Nishikori, but his five-hour thriller with Nadal demonstrated his renowned mental fortitude and elastic athleticism are in sync once again.

“There were moments of doubt, of frustration, disappointment, where you're questioning whether you want to keep it going in this way or that way, where is that taking you. Obviously if you told me that six months ago, I would take it right away,” reflected the 2011, 2014 and 2015 Wimbledon champion.
“But did I truly believe that I can get back on the level? Yes, it's hard for me to play tennis and not believe that I can be the best in what I do. I mean, I've been fortunate to achieve so much in my career that every time I go to the tournament, I have highest of ambitions. That's always kind of a mindset.”

Despite his commanding record facing Anderson, Djokovic is cautious to wear the ‘favourite’ tag.

“He's definitely playing the tennis of his life. He's coming off from two epic marathon five-set wins. I don't think he has much to lose really tomorrow,” insisted Djokovic. “He's going to come out with big serves and big tennis. Hopefully I'll be able to weather the storm.”

Considering the stream of silverware success over his career, it is pretty mind-boggling to consider Djokovic hasn’t featured in a Grand Slam final since losing to Stan Wawrinka in the 2016 US Open silverware showdown.

“If I take my last couple years, I don't have much to lose myself. I'm in a Grand Slam finals after a long time,” added the Serbian, who was last a Major champion at Roland-Garros 2016. “Of course, we want this trophy.”

Both players will be running on adrenaline, their routes to Sunday’s final have been brutal.

Due to his former glories, the renaissance of Djokovic at SW19 puts the match on the three-time champion’s racket on Sunday. Can Anderson banish the demons of 2015?