“It will mean everything. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m playing,” said Djokovic, who has already captured the ninth Australian Open and the second French Open in 2021.
The victory in Paris made him the third man to win all four Majors more than once.
“I imagined that I would be in a position to fight for another Grand Slam trophy before coming to London.
“I have put myself in a very good position. Anything is possible in the final. Obviously the experience is with me.’
Djokovic needed all that experience and famous iron will to beat Denis Shapovalov in the semifinals, where he saved 10 of 11 break points.
Shapovalov was so distraught by the failure of his all-round attack that pushed Djokovic to the brink that he burst into tears from center court. “Once you’re off the court there’s no turning back, especially in the later stages of an event I’ve always dreamed of winning,” said Djokovic after his 20th consecutive grass court win.
‘this is madness’
“The dream goes on. I am trying to make the most of my potential in every single match and see what happens. Giving up is never an option.” Djokovic could also win his 85th career title on Sunday, while his on-court earnings have crossed $150 million.
World No. 9, 25-year-old Berrettini is the first Italian to reach a singles final at Wimbledon. The victory would make him Italy’s first men’s slam champion since Adriano Panetta at the 1976 French Open.
He has lost both his previous matches with Djokovic, including the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last month. But after winning the Queen’s Club event on the eve of Wimbledon, he has been running 11-0 on the grass this season. At the All England Club, he made his way to the final on a tournament-leading 101 aces.
Berrettini claimed the second-fastest serve of 223.7kph in his first-round win over Argentina’s Guido Pella. With a weight of 95kg – similar to a heavyweight boxer – Berrettini also has 254 winners out of Djokovic’s 190 so far.
However, their unexpected error number is 167, compared to the Serbs’ 126. Both men have left the service only five times each. Sunday’s final may not be a shot-making show-making – rallies average less than four strokes for both players.
Meanwhile, Berrettini has not served and volleyed once in his six matches. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere. My first final at Wimbledon, it’s just crazy to think about it,” said Berrettini.
A surprise win on Sunday could be the first of a Sporting double for Italy in London, in which the country’s football team will take on England in the final of Euro 2020. “Obviously for the Italian people in general, but it’s going to be a tough Sunday,” he said.
Most of the 15,000 fans inside center court near Berrettini are likely to be behind him. Djokovic is familiar with such scenarios.
Djokovic acknowledged, “People love to see someone win who is an underdog or maybe not expected to win, who isn’t a favorite to win.”
“But hopefully people can also understand the importance of this match for me, which is on the history line. I am ready for whatever is going to happen on Sunday in terms of crowd support.”
Seven-time major champion John McEnroe believes Italy’s only hope is an all-round attack. “Berrettini has a chance to puncture,” said the American BBC.
“He has a big serve and a big forehand, but it’s about whether he can execute it and take it to Djokovic. If he can get Djokovic back on his feet again and again, it can be competitive.
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