Djokovic hopes big-game experience turns tide

DEFENDING champion Novak Djokovic (pic) says his extra experience of Wimbledon’s showpiece occasions should prove decisive when he faces Richard Gasquet in the semi-finals.

Djokovic, the world number one, booked his 27th Grand Slam semi-final appearance and his sixth in a row with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 rout of US Open champion Marin Cilic on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old will be making his seventh Wimbledon last four appearance, while French 21st seed Gasquet is in just his second All England semi-final.

Gasquet has also appeared in one US Open semi-final, but has never made the final of a major and Djokovic is confident his big-game knowledge will prove decisive on Centre Court on Friday.

“Obviously an experience of being in these final stages of Wimbledon many times is going to help me to approach it in a proper way,” Djokovic said.

“I’ve been playing really good. I’m hoping I have that extra gear. I’m hoping it can come out now in the semi-finals, the final stages of the tournament.

“I worked very hard to get myself in position to fight for the big trophies. “I want to keep on going.” After being pushed to the brink of a shock fourth round exit by big-serving South African Kevin Anderson, who held a two set lead before losing in five, Djokovic believes he is now battle-hardened for the business end of the tournament.

“I came back from two sets down. Played over the course of two days. It allowed me to really feel like I’ve encountered already the toughest match situations,” he said.

“So I have that match in my mind now because in the first week I wasn’t really tested.

“It was really good that I had that match against Kevin.”