Top seed Novak Djokovic survived a tough test from young Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 6-4, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6 to reach his third Wimbledon final on Friday. Dimitrov is a first-time Slam semifinalist and was determined to continue his 10-match win streak on grasscourts. The Bulgarian won The Queen’s Club title prior to Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Djokovic won the Wimbledon title back in 2011 (defeated R. Nadal).
“Considering I have lost the last couple of Grand Slam finals – and I could have won them all – I’m looking forward to it,” Djokovic said to BBC television. “It will be a big challenge, a big match. Whomever I play, I will have to be on top of my game. I look forward to competing.”
“In the semis of Wimbledon playing a future star, he deserves respect, it was a tough match overall,” he added. “The fourth set could have gone either way. I started well, was up a set and a break, points for double break. But like I did against Cilic [in the quarter-finals], I allowed him to get back in the match. Overall I’m really glad to reach another Wimbledon final.
“Dimitrov has quality shots, especially his running forehand, and great touch. He plays equally well when he’s aggressive and when he’s defensive. That’s part of his game that he has improved immensely in the past six to eight months. It was a good win for me. I’m really glad to be part of another entertaining match. Now I’m looking forward to the championship match.”
Up next for Djokovic is Roger Federer who advanced to his ninth final here at the All England Club.
This will be the 35th meeting between Djokovic and Federer with the latter leading the series at 18-16. They only met in grass once – back in 2012 where Federer won on his way to the title.
“We always play good matches against each other,” said Federer. “We’ve played each other a lot the past six months, and it’s gone back and forth a bit. Novak is a great champion; he’s used to these occasions. He’s won here before and knows how to get it done. I hope it’s going to be a good match.”
Dimitrov’s semifinal run at the All England Club guarantees his place in the world’s top ten next week.
