NOVAK: I KNOW CROWD WON’T BE BACKING ME
NOVAK DJOKOVIC overcame Roberto Bautista Agut and the Centre Court crowd to reach his sixth Wimbledon final yesterday – and then admitted all the neutrals will be supporting Roger Federer tomorrow.
The defending champion was visibly annoyed at the vocal backing for his Spanish opponent and mockingly encouraged the applause when the world No.22 won the second set. He also cupped his ear to the crowd after one point.
Djokovic fought back to win 6-2 4-6 6-3 6-2 to reach his 25th Grand Slam final – and his third here against Federer. But after winning four titles at SW19, the world No.1 was clearly not impressed by his unpopularity.
The Serb said: “I focused on what I needed to do.
“At times they wanted him to come back into the match, maybe take a lead, because he was the underdog. I understand that. But I have had enough support here over the years so I don’t complain.”
His support will be no bigger against Federer, with the crowd favourite seeking his ninth Wimbledon title and Djokovic said: “I know what to expect. It’s going to be a big fight.”
This semi-final turned in the seventh game of the third set when Djokovic saved a break point at the end of a 45-shot rally – the longest recorded at Wimbledon.
He said: “I had to dig deep. I got a bit tight. I am not happy when I show I’m nervous.”
Bautista Agut had the support of his friends who flew over from his delayed stag party in Ibiza for his first Grand Slam semi.
And the Spaniard said: “We will go back. Maybe tomorrow.”