Wimbledon Men’s Final Preview: Federer vs Djokovic

Wimbledon 2015 has reserved its best match for last. Defending champion Novak Djokovic will take on the legendary Roger Federer in a dream match on Sunday evening.

These two met at the same time last year with the Serb coming out on top after a thrilling five setter. Djokovic has won 8 Grand Slams overall which pales in comparison with the 17 that Federer has won in his career.

Djokovic, however, is considered by many as an incredible all-round player at the top of his abilities now. His game suits any surface but it is his mental strength that sets him apart from competition. In fact, he has won many games after being pushed to the brink thanks to his never-say-die attitude.

Novak has had a wonderful tournament so far. He has brushed aside tricky opposition like Philipp Kohlschreiber and Bernard Tomic while looking imperious against Marin Cilic and Richard Gasquet in the last two rounds. The only hiccup was in the fourth round against Kevin Anderson where he was close to getting knocked out only to win in five sets.

Federer, on the other hand, has looked his old self. He has dropped only one set and was broken only once through the entire tournament. He looked to be playing at his best when he dismantled local favourite Andy Murray in the semis.

If he brings the same form into the final it will be very difficult for Djokovic to match it with the Swiss superstar. There is also the weather factor and the crowd support. It is predicted to rain which may mean playing under the roof. It’s conventional wisdom that Federer will have slight advantage in that case. The crowd too should be behind Federer who is adored in this part of the world.

Djokovic is by far the best player of the year but it is not easy to discount Federer on grass. Novak isn’t a player to give up easily, eventhough his sore shoulder could have a role to play. The trainer came twice in the semis and there’s something that could be bothering him there.

Federer’s form for the last couple of weeks may tempt us to bet on him coming out a 3-2 winner at odds of $5.50 at CrownBet. They also offer a bonus of up to $50 if your head-to-head bet loses in five sets where you can take Federer at $2.05. This could be the year Federer wins a record eighth Wimbledon elevating him above Pete Sampras.

Irrespective of the result, it should be a feast for all Tennis lovers to see Federer one last time in the finals at Wimbledon. But, of course, that was what was said last year too!