‘I do not fear Novak Djokovic,’ insists Roger Federer ahead of first meeting since Wimbledon epic

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Novak Djokovic after beating Roger Federer in 2019 Wimbledon final

Roger Federer has insisted revenge will not be on his mind when he takes on Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals on Thursday.

Federer will need a win against the Serbian to make progress in the end-of-season showpiece event, but he insists his motivation will not be increased following his near miss in last July’s epic Wimbledon final against Djokovic.

Federer failed to convert on two match points against his old foe, but he is looking beyond that match as he looks to beat Djokovic indoors for the first time since a majestic performance in the 2015 ATP Finals.

After bouncing back from his opening defeat against Dominic Thiem with a less than convincing straight sets win against Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday, Federer turned his attention to a 49th meeting with Djokovic.

When Federer was asked if he is over the defeat at Wimbledon, he said: “We’ll find out, but I think it’s all flushed away from my side. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then.

“We have played a lot of matches since, and I think we both look back at a great match.

“I think we both can take away some confidence from the match – him obviously a lot, me maybe a bit less.

“But at the end of the day, I don’t know, I wasn’t hoping he would not be in my section or in my draw. I didn’t hope I was never going to play him again.

“Actually, it’s good for me to play him again, and maybe that all helps to get a chance to get him back or whatever it is.

“But at the end of the day, I’m here for the World Tour Finals and not because of the Wimbledon final.

“It’s logical to be asked, it’s fine, but I’m personally excited to play against Novak on Thursday.”

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Novak Djokovic Roger Federer

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