Djokovic rediscovers highest level at Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic is back.

After two years struggling through form lapses, physical troubles and injury absences, the Serb returned to a major final for the first time since the 2016 US Open.

His 6-4 3-6 7-6(9) 3-6 10-8 over world No.1 Rafael Nadal – one of the matches of the year, spread over two days – will see him going head-to-head with Kevin Anderson for a shot at his fourth Wimbledon title.

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Djokovic was, two years ago, quite literally on top of the world. He’d won Roland Garros in 2016 – the one major trophy up until then missing from his collection – to hold all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously. He was ranked No.1 – by a distance.

But since then, the Serb has won just three titles. He fell outside the top 20. He endured losses to the tour’s rank-and-file, players he once would have handled comfortably. An especially notable loss came to world No.109 Taro Daniel in his opening match at Indian Wells in March.

That wasn’t long after elbow surgery to correct a problem that had apparently been lingering for more than a year. He wasn’t used to his body betraying him. It took him time to begin to trust it again.

“There were moments of doubt, of frustration, disappointment, where you’re questioning whether you want to keep it going in this way or that way, where is that taking you,” Djokovic said.

“Obviously the entire process, speaking from this position right now, it makes it even better for me, makes it even more special because I managed to overcome challenges and obstacles, get myself to the finals of a slam. Obviously if you told me that six months ago, I would take it right away.

“But did I truly believe that I can get back on the level? Yes, I mean, it’s hard for me to play tennis and not believe that I can be the best in what I do. I’ve been fortunate to achieve so much in my career that every time I go to the tournament, I have highest of ambitions.”

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Djokovic admitted that, after several fits and starts, he felt that level returning at Rome and Roland Garros. After a shock quarterfinal exit to Marco Cecchinato in Paris, he refocused and reached the final at Queen’s. Despite letting slip a match point in losing to Marin Cilic, he said: “the whole grass court season has been really confirming that level of tennis that I felt like I was starting to play.”

At Wimbledon this fortnight, his body has operated like the sleek machine it once was. His speedy movement, sublime flexibility and ever-improving endurance were on show against Nadal.

He’s trusting his shots again, too, hitting his forehand with greater weight, depth and purpose and cracking his patented backhand as sweetly as ever. His serve has also been excellent; he delivered 23 aces against Nadal to extend his lead in their storied head-to-head series to 27-25.

Nadal is the yardstick of the competition, the world No.1, reigning Roland Garros champion and near-undefeated (24-3) in Grand Slam semifinals. To beat him, Djokovic had to attain an extremely impressive level, one he hadn’t reached since his 2015-2016 zenith.

@djokernole in five. A rivalry renewed. #Wimbledon

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Time and time again in their thrilling fifth set, Djokovic appeared to have Nadal on the ropes only for Spaniard to escape. In four games, Djokovic held 15-30 leads only for Nadal to serve and hit his way out of trouble. In the 16th game, leading 7-8, Djokovic held a match point which Nadal erased with a bold drop shot.

Yet the Serb remained, mostly, outwardly unperturbed despite multiple opportunities coming and going.

“I’m not always calm. I had bursts of emotions even today and yesterday,” Djokovic countered. “When you’re playing such a high level, against one of the biggest rivals, probably my biggest rival ever, it’s quite intense. There’s a lot of emotions in play. A lot is at stake. You feel it.”

His victory on Saturday snapped a two-match losing streak against Nadal; he’s now won 12 of their past 15 meetings and the last two at Grand Slam tournaments.

And with Nadal gone, the focus turns to Kevin Anderson, who stands between Djokovic and an incredible 13th Grand Slam title.

“Considering he’s playing only his second Grand Slam final, obviously he has a lot more to gain. (But) if I take my last couple years, I don’t have much to lose myself,” Djokovic said.

“Of course, we want this trophy. We want this match, both of us. Who is going to take it? I don’t know. It really depends.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to weather the storm.”