Roger Federer says playing on grass made a difference in win against Djokovic

They’ve played against each other twenty-seven times on tour but this was their first encounter on grass. It was very fitting that six-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer will win against defending champion Novak Djokovic at the All England Club.

This is Federer’s second win against Djokovic in their past eight meetings, his last victory was at the 2011 French Open semifinal and Djokovic avenged that defeat a year later. This time, Federer was the better player on grass and the Swiss star said that it’s what made the big difference.

“I think the surface obviously does make our match quite different,” he said.

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“We barely had rallies in the first couple of sets, which was surprising for me to see. We did a lot of first-strike tennis; a lot of service winners out there. That obviously changes momentum of the match. Doesn’t make it maybe as physical. It’s more explosive. Maybe a touch unpredictable. So I think overall the surface made the match play differently and potentially in my favor. I was able to be very aggressive, particularly once I did get into the third set where I thought we both played our very best,” he added.

Federer, the record holder of 16 Grand Slam titles, revealed that his surprising loss to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in last year’s quarterfinals haunted him. Federer was leading two sets before Tsonga went on to win the three remaining sets to seal the upset victory. The Swiss star, who’ll reclaim the world’s top ranking with the victory at the 2012 Wimbledon Men’s Singles Final on Sunday said that it is going to be one of the most significant matches of his career.

“There’s a lot on the line for me,” he said.

“I’m not denying that. I have a lot of pressure, as well. I’m looking forward to that. That’s what I work hard for. I’ve worked extremely hard since I lost that match point against Novak last year at the U.S. Open. My run has been extremely good. Now I have a chance at world No. 1, at the title again all at once. So it’s a big match for me and I hope I can keep my nerves. I’m sure I can. Then hopefully win the match,” he added.