Djokovic sets up date with SA’s marathon man Kevin

● Novak Djokovic reached his fifth Wimbledon final yesterday with a 6-4 3-6 7-6 (11/9) 3-6 10-8 victory over Rafael Nadal in the second longest semifinal yet played at the tournament.

Djokovic, the 2011, 2014 and 2015 champion, will face Kevin Anderson, the first South African in the final in 97 years, for the title after a five-hour 15-minute marathon.

Victory today for the 31-year-old Serb would take his career grand slam tally to 13, four behind Nadal but still seven behind Roger Federer.

It was a second day of epic drama at the All England Club after Anderson had needed six hours and 36 minutes to beat John Isner on Friday.

That set the record for the longest semifinal at the tournament and became the second-longest grand slam singles match yet.

It also meant that Djokovic and Nadal were unable to finish their 52nd career clash on Friday night.

Yesterday’s drama delayed the start of the women’s final between Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber.

“It’s hard to pick the words. I’m just going through things, flashbacks to the last 15 months, everything I’ve been through to get here,” said world No 21 Djokovic, the lowest ranked finalist in 15 years.

“To win against the best player in the world, in one of the longest matches I ever played, I’m just overwhelmed.

“It’s very special. It really could have gone either way. It was clear very few things separated us.” Djokovic finished with 23 aces and 73 winners and triumphed despite only converting four of 19 breakpoints. “Until the last shot I didn’t know if I would win. These are matches you live for and work for.”

Former world No 1 Djokovic has a 5-1 career lead over No 8 seed Anderson.

The South African won his only match against the Serb in 2008 while Djokovic has beaten him twice at Wimbledon.

“Hopefully we can first of all play!” Djokovic said of his fellow marathon man.

Anderson, who knocked out Federer in the quarterfinals, has been on court for 21 hours at the tournament.

“He had a day off which means a lot. I wish I could have one, but it is what it is,” Djokovic said.

“I’m in the final of Wimbledon. That’s an incredible achievement.” Djokovic had been in control on Friday, leading two sets to one when the match was halted due to the 11pm (midnight SA time) curfew.

Play in their 52nd career meeting resumed under the roof yesterday despite bright blue skies and temperatures pushing 30ºC — AFP.