Did you feel any particular pressure given the stakes of the 20th major title and the possible progression to the Grand Slam?
“Absolutely! I felt a little more nervous than usual, especially in the first set. After this first set, I felt relief. Of course, it wasn't very good to have lost the first set, but I just wanted it to end and I could finally get to hitting the ball the way I wanted. That's what started to happen in the first four games of the second set, when I quickly led 4-0. I knew I had gained the upper hand. I felt more comfortable. There were a few tight games in the third set, but from the start of the second set I felt I was in control. At times, I played too defensive, too slow compared to what I usually do,especially slow second serve balls. It is probably because of the nervousness, of this great meeting, a Wimbledon final with history in sight ... "
Do you consider yourself the greatest player in the history of tennis in the Open era, since 1968?
“I consider myself the best.
But am I the greatest of all time, I leave this debate to others.
I said it is very difficult to compare the different eras of tennis.
The rackets are different, the technology is not the same, neither are the balls, the courts ... The playing conditions are simply very different so it is very difficult to compare the tennis of 50 years ago and the one. today.
But I am extremely honored to be part of the debate. ”
When did you feel that Roger Federer's Grand Slam title record was achievable?
“I probably started thinking about it a couple of years ago.
Before, it seemed untouchable to me. "
“My plans have always been to compete in the Olympics.
But now, I am a little divided.
"
Novak Djokovic
When you play a match like this Wimbledon final with all its stakes, do you think about the historical aspect or do you just stay in the moment?
“It's a constant battle on the court to stay in the moment. Often we feel emotions and we have thoughts that bring you back to the past, a regret for not having played certain balls or certain points in such and such a way. It can also be a projection: + and if ... what would happen if ... + So you have to constantly force yourself to stay in the present moment. When you get to see it in the simplest way, it's just a tennis match, it's just a point ... so you're there and you're playing your best tennis. It is when the mind begins to wander between past and future that we become tense and succumb to the pressure. But I did feel a little greater expectation before the semi-finals and the final, greater tension.I am aware that the story is at stake even if I try not to think about it too much. ”
Will you compete in the Tokyo Olympics?
“I'll have to think about it. My plans have always been to compete in the Olympics. But now I am a little divided. It's 50/50 because of what I've been hearing for two days. The fact that the Games will ultimately take place mainly behind closed doors in the face of the resurgence of the coronavirus in Japan is not good news (...) I was very disappointed when I heard about it. I also heard that there would be a lot of restrictions in the Olympic Village. We may not be allowed to see other athletes competing. I can't even have my stringer with me when he's a very important part of my team. And I am limited in the number of people I can take with me on my team ”.