FINAL MATCH-UP NOVAK HOLDS THE ACES

NICK KYRGIOS will bring some unique challenges for Novak Djokovic. So, how do they match up?

FOREHAND

4.5/5 DJOKOVIC KYRGIOS 4.5/5 WITH his loose arm, Kyrgios can generate huge

pace on the forehand with a brief swish. It is a huge weapon, but not metronomically reliable. It is not a killer shot for Djokovic but, like so much in his game, little tends to go wrong with it.

BACKHAND SERVE

5 4.5 THE SERB’S backhand is superb, his banker shot which he can use in defence or to attack, especially down the line. Kyrgios has definitely improved this stroke of late. He can do anything with it and the way he is able to lean in and impart pace has been a feature of his play this fortnight.

4.5 4.5 AGAIN the loose arm of Kyrgios is a real asset here. In five matches it has delivered 120 aces and reached speeds of up to 137mph. His gap between matches following Rafa Nadal’s withdrawal should help iron out any shoulder issues. Djokovic’s serve is less spectacular to the eye but hugely effective due to its accuracy and consistency.

RETURN OF SERVE

5 4 IF ANYONE can defuse the power of a big serve it is Djokovic, a magnificent returner due to his compact swing technique and agility. Kyrgios likes to be aggressive on the return and relies more on his superb eye, but he ranks well behind the champion in percentage terms of success against either first or second serve.

FITNESS/ATHLETICISM

5 4 WHILE having that slightly hunched way of moving

Kyrgios is an excellent athlete and quick. The worry is more his base level of stamina if the match goes long. At 35 Djokovic is still one of the greatest athletes out there with incredible flexibility, pace and durability, giving him a clear edge.

TEMPERAMENT

4.5 3.5 ONE OF the great unpredictables of this match-up between two players who can be combustible in their own ways. Djokovic can get riled by the crowd, but is as tough as teak when it comes to being a competitor. How Kyrgios reacts to the most pressure he has ever experienced is one of the most fascinating questions. NOUS AND EXPERIENCE 5 4 DJOKOVIC has not lost on Centre Court in 38 matches but he will feel the pressure of keeping up with Nadal in the Grand Slam race. Nobody should underestimate the high tennis IQ of Kyrgios, who will try to play as quick as he can between points against someone who will bounce the ball incessantly to test his patience. 33.5/35 TOTAL 29/35

HEAD-TO-HEAD

KYRGIOS leads 2-0 in previous matches, both wins on hard courts in 2017 (Indian Wells and Acapulco). Slams won? It’s 20-0 to Djokovic!