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Djokovic eyes history in high-stakes final

3 minute read

Novak Djokovic is fully aware of the stakes on the line when he lines up for a record-setting grand slam final chasing a 21st major against Nick Kyrgios.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images

He can't escape it so Novak Djokovic is embracing the pressure as the clock ticks in the Serb's obsessive pursuit of Rafael Nadal's all-time record number of grand slam men's singles crowns.

Djokovic enters Sunday's Wimbledon final against Nick Kyrgios knowing that, unless there's a change of heart from the US and Australian governments, this will be his last major until the 2023 French Open.

Djokovic copped a three-year ban from entering Australia after being deported following his visa fiasco in January, while foreigners not vaccinated against COVID-19 can't enter America.

That leaves the 20-time grand slam champion ineligible for the US Open starting next month and the 2023 Australian Open.

Little wonder then that Djokovic is hell bent on winning a seventh Wimbledon crown to take his grand slam tally to 21 with victory over Kyrgios, which would leave the 36-year-old one shy of Nadal's 22.

"I'm aware of what's on the line," Djokovic said.

"I mean, every match, every grand slam that I get to play at this stage of my career, there is a lot on the line.

"I don't know how many grand slam opportunities to win the trophy I will still have, as I will have in few days' time.

"So, of course, I'm approaching it with positive attitude and self-belief and willingness to win. There's no doubt about it."

Meticulous and methodical to the nth degree, Djokovic will leave no stone unturned in his preparation for what is also the biggest match of Kyrgios's career.

"Every player is different. I can't, and I don't want to speak about all the details and routines that I have that make me feel well-balanced and prepared," Djokovic said.

"But there are things that I do in order to make myself mentally, emotionally, and physically well-prepared.

"That's not a guarantee because on the court a lot of things can happen. There's so much going on, pressure and expectations. Sometimes you're able to handle it better than your opponent; sometimes not.

"But the experience that I have at this level, playing in the finals against someone that has never played a grand slam final, could be slightly in my favour.

"But knowing who he is and how he goes about his tennis and his attitude on the court, he doesn't seem to be falling under pressure much.

"He plays lights-out every time he steps out onto the court. Just a lot of power in his serve and his game. So I'm sure he's going to go for it.

"No doubt he's going to be aggressive. I expect him to do that.

"I'm going to make sure I get ready for that one and let the better player win."

As usual with Djokovic, though, there's always a little extra intrigue. Asked to explain the white bottle that he appeared to inhale from during another match, the Serb offered the teasing reply: "Magic potion".

"You'll find out soon," he added, "but I can't speak about it now."

One thing's for sure, Djokovic isn't looking to beat Kyrgios to claim any type of revenge against Australia over his controversial deportation.

"Look, whatever happened in Australia is now behind. It's been six months," he said.

"Obviously the beginning of the year was quite turbulent for me emotionally. It wasn't something I ever faced before.

"I'm just looking forward to this final and hopefully giving it all and winning."