Novak Djokovic: Reaching the final is a special moment for me

Novak Djokovic’s hard work is paying off as he reached his first final in nearly a year.
The Serb last played in a final and won a trophy at Eastbourne in July 2017 and he will get a chance to make sure he doesn’t go a full year without a title when he takes on Marin Cilic in the Fever-Tree Championship final on Sunday.
The 12-time Grand Slam winner booked his place in the showpiece match after he claimed a 7-6 (7-5,) 6-4 victory over Jeremy Chardy.
“It is a special moment for me. Obviously I have been hoping to get here and working hard for it,” he said.
“So now that I get a chance to fight for a trophy in one of the biggest tournaments in the grass-court season, it means a lot to me. I’m really pleased with the way I have played throughout the whole week.”
Defending champion Cilic, meanwhile, came through two tie-breakers against Nick Kyrgios, winning 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-3) to secure his spot in the final.
Djokovic is wary of the Croatian as he feels Cilic is in the form of his life.
“It’s quite different playing him on grass. We have played in Wimbledon, but he’s just a different player,” he said. “In the past couple of years he’s been in the form of his life and reaching his highest [ATP] Ranking in his career… he’s probably been playing the best that he’s ever played.”
He added: “I think the key will be obviously try to return well, because that’s his biggest weapon, his serve. He uses it so accurately on the grass.
“And obviously trying to get as many free points on my own serve [as I can].
“It’s easier said than done, but I’m going into [the] final knowing that it’s going to be a really tough match for me, but a great challenge and I’m working for it.”
Latest
-
Live Tennis
2023 Australian Open: Follow day 12 with T365’s live scores and results centre…
This way for the action from the 2023 Australian Open.
-
Tennis News
Does Matteo Berrettini have a new love interest?
Matteo Berrettini has been spotted with former model Melissa Satta.
-
Australian Open
2023 Australian Open women’s final info, form, H2H, preview: Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka
All the info you need ahead of the 2023 Australian Open women’s final.
-
Australian Open
Elena Rybakina: Why the quiet girl is set to dominate Grand Slam tennis
Elena Rybakina could be an all-timer.
-
Tennis News
Mats Wilander expects Elena Rybakina to make ’10 grand slam finals’
Kazakhstan’s Rybakina beat Victoria Azarenka 7-6, 6-3 to set up a final with Belarusian fifth-seed Sabalenka.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open day 11: Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina reach women’s final
The story of the 11th day of action from Melbourne Park.
-
News
Aryna Sabalenka books power battle with Elena Rybakina in Australian Open final
Sabalenka beat Magda Linette 7-6 (1) 6-2 to reach her first grand slam singles final.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic plunged into fresh controversy and he needs to fix it quickly
Novak Djokovic needs to do all he can to clean up the mess created by his father as quickly as possible.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: Andy Murray shares hilarious mock lipreading video from Thanasi Kokkinakis clash
Andy Murray saw the funny side of a TikTok video from his Australian Open second round win.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic still motivated by Rafael Nadal rivalry
That Grand Slam record is on Novak Djokovic’s mind for sure.