Djokovic hopes momentum can take him to final

Novak faces old adversary Nadal – and Isner looks to take a break should he win semi clash

Novak Djokovic feels he is coming into form at just the right time as he prepares for a first Wimbledon showdown with Rafael Nadal in seven years.

The former world No 1’s four-set victory over Kei Nishikori secured his place in a first grand slam semi-final since the US Open in 2016.

Standing in his way today is old foe Nadal – in what will be their 52nd meeting – Djokovic currently leads the head-to-head by a 26-25 margin.

Their last meeting on grass was in the 2011 final when Djokovic won his first Wimbledon title. That was the occasion when Djokovic first tasted the All England Club grass as part of his celebration routine.

“I’m really not thinking about being an underdog or being a favourite. I just try to build the momentum,” said the 31-year-old Serbian.

“Obviously I’ve been very pleased with the way I’ve played so far on the grass-court season.”

Injuries took their toll on Djokovic last year but over the last fortnight he has certainly looked a lot more like the player who has captured 12 grand slam titles.

Djokovic has at times cut an angry figure on court, rankled by umpiring decisions, but he is trying to play the joker off it.

“I do try to joke around and take things a bit lighter, so to say, in the days when I don’t have a match and when I’m practising,” he said.

“Obviously there’s a lot of stress, a lot of expectations, pressure, a lot of things you have to deal with, a lot of emotions during the grand slams.

“As you’re coming closer to the end of the tournament, the degree of those emotions is just going up.

“I’m trying to balance things out, have those off-match days a little bit lighter, a little bit more fun, just take my mind a little bit off the preparation thoughts and pressure and what I expect from myself and others expect from me.”

Nadal admits his opponent is playing well in London this week and expects a tough match.

“There is no one other match in the history of tennis that is played more than our match,” said the French Open champion.

“That’s a big thing. We always played in important stages, important places.

“Friday is another important match against an opponent that is one of the most difficult ones that you can face. He’s playing well.”

Meanwhile John Isner knows just how he will celebrate if he reaches the final -– with a KitKat.

The 33-year-old American has long been conscious of the importance of nutrition and diet, but he has been allowing himself a regular chocolate treat during his run to the semi-finals.

“After each win throughout these 10 days, I’ve had a KitKat. I’m not going to change that now,” Isner said.

It is a routine which has served Isner well, the ninth seed winning the battle of the ace specialists against Milos Raonic in four sets in the quarter-finals.

He will face a familiar figure in the last four in the shape of 6ft 8in Kevin Anderson, the eighth seed and conqueror of Roger Federer. Isner stands two inches taller than his South African opponent.

Three-time champion John McEnroe has tipped Isner to win through.

Anderson is a man that Isner played several times on the US college circuit and he leads their professional head-tohead 8-3.

Isner added: “There could be a little mental aspect in our match. I say that because our rivalry goes back way before the pro tour.

“We’ve been lined up against each other for about 14 years now, because he left Illinois when I left Georgia. We’ve been doing it ever since.

“For me this match-up, and I think for him as well, is especially cool. It’s a very nice spotlight on college tennis that one of us, no matter what, is going to be playing in the Wimbledon final.”