Wimbledon 2014: Roger Federer ready for Novak Djokovic final
- Published
Roger Federer said he has "a lot of energy left in the tank" after beating Milos Raonic to set up a meeting with Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.
Seven-time champion Federer reached his ninth final with a 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory, and has lost one set in the tournament.
"It was a perfect result before a big match in the final," said Federer. "I feel energised and eager to play."
Djokovic, the 2011 champion, overcame a stiff test to oust Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 3-6 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (9-7).
Federer is targeting a record eighth Wimbledon title on Centre Court and an 18th Grand Slam success at the age of 32.
In 34 meetings with Djokovic, dating back to 2006, Federer leads 18-16.
"It's really important for me to stay aggressive against him, and especially here at Wimbledon," said Federer.
"Novak can hurt you down the line or cross-court on both sides. His forehand, his serve, his movement clearly is what stands out the most at the moment. He's really been able to improve that and make it rock solid."
Top seed Djokovic's first Grand Slam final appearance ended in defeat to Federer at the 2007 US Open., external
Two years ago at Wimbledon, Federer beat Djokovic in four sets in the semi-finals on his way to winning a seventh title.
"We played many matches on many occasions, but only once on grass," said Djokovic. "Most of the matches went the distance, so I am going to be physically ready and fit to go the distance.
"The key will be to try not to allow him to dictate too much because he likes to be very aggressive. He likes to come to the net and I'm going to have to be able to get as many returns back in the court as possible and stay close to the lines.
"Roger has immense experience, winning this title so many times and being so dominant in men's tennis for a decade. But it's a good chance for me to try to win against him on his favourite surface, on his favourite court."
Djokovic, 27, came from a set down to beat Marin Cilic in five sets in the quarter-finals and saved four set points to avoid going into a fifth set against Dimitrov.
But he has lost five of his past six Grand Slam finals.
"There is plenty of motivation from my side to win this final," said the six-time Grand Slam winner. "It would mean a lot mentally for me.
"I've been going through some tough matches in this tournament, but I'm going to try to use that experience in a positive way."
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