Home

Tennis

“Grass Favors His Game More”: Novak Djokovic Wary of Matteo Berrettini Ahead of Wimbledon Championships 2021 Final

Published 07/10/2021, 2:25 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Reuters

On the coming Sunday afternoon, Novak Djokovic will make his 30th Grand Slam final appearance at Wimbledon Championships 2021. Across the net, he would find a majors’ final debutant from Italy, Matteo Berrettini. Notably, one of them would create ever-lasting history, carving his name on the Championships trophy.

Before this match, the Serbian ace outclassed the first-time semifinalist Denis Shapovalov in straight sets. Looking forward, Djokovic opened up about his next opponent, the one standing before him and the glory. Does Berrettini have a game to dismantle Djokovic?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Novak Djokovic on Matteo Berrettini threat in Wimbledon Championships 2021 final

Firstly, the defending champion Novak Djokovic opened up on what the title would mean to him. And although he dreamt of himself competing, he does not underestimate his opponent, Matteo Berrettini.

“It would mean everything (to win). I imagined myself to be fighting for the trophy. Anything is possible in the finals. Berrettini is serving big and playing big, has a lot of wins on grass. It is going to be tough,” Djokovic said.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

via Reuters

Remarkably, Berrettini became the first Italian player to reach the final in Wimbledon. Thus, the World No.9 has his biggest career match ahead of himself.

Interestingly, it is not the first time the duo will go up against each other at a Grand Slam event this year. At Roland-Garros 2021 QFs, Berrettini fought hard against Djokovic, losing in a tight four-set match. Since their next battle is on grass, the Serbian is wary of his opponent.

“He is one of the best in the world in the last year. Working his way up, he has big weapons in serve and forehand. He can play well on every surface; at RG, we played a tough 4-setter. Grass favors his game even more,” Djokovic concluded.

What’s at stake for Djokovic at Wimbledon final

Most significantly, Djokovic is chasing record-tying 20th Grand Slam title in this final. If he wins, he will equal Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal‘s career haul.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

via Reuters

Also, winning at Wimbledon would bring Djokovic one step closer to Golden Slam. It is a feat that requires a player to win all four major tournaments and the Olympic gold. So far, the Serbian has obtained the first two Grand Slams, the Australian Open and the French Open.

Do you think Djokovic will win his third-consecutive Grand Slam at Wimbledon Championships 2021?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch this story: Wimbledon Championships 2021: Roger Federer’s Emotional Farewell

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Purav Joshi

1,357Articles

One take at a time

Purav Joshi is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having a degree in Films, Television and Media Production, he guided his passion for writing and journalism into the sport of aces and rallies. With over 2 years of experience as a copywriter, Purav has authored over 500 tennis articles.
Show More>