Djokovic: I had “a bit of luck” on Federer’s second match point at Wimbledon 2019

The 21-time Grand Slam winner said this final was the most mentally demanding of his career

Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2019 (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)

October 30, 2022

Invited by Marion Bartoli to comment on his 21 Grand Slam titles on the French radio station RMC, Novak Djokovic made a big admission about his win at Wimbledon in 2019.

He said he had “a bit of luck” on one of two Roger Federer’s match points at 8-7 in the fifth set.

“I started my movement a little in advance, anticipating a crossed serve [on the backhand – editor’s note],” said Djokovic, natively in French, about the second match point that was served at 40-30 by Federer. “And finally he served on the T. At this point I thought it was over. The ball could have met the net. I was a bit lucky at this moment, it’s fair to say.”

Djokovic could only make a short chip with his forehand on the return. Federer attacked him on the forehand and then Djokovic released a precise winning passing-shot, a crossed forehand close to the line that is now part of tennis history.

Djokovic: Wimbledon 2019 was the most challenging mentally

Djokovic could not say what final was the most memorable or difficult of his career. He said that the 2012 final against Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open was the most challenging physically, referring to the 2019 final as the most challenging “mentally”.

Djokovic said in the past that he had to imagine that the crowd were shouting, “Novak, Novak,” when they were really shouting, “Roger, Roger!” If he had won at Wimbledon, it would have been Roger Federer’s 21st major trophy, but he would never play a major final again.

Djokovic beat Federer three times in a Wimbledon final, in 2014, 2015 and 2019.

Djokovic thanked Bartoli for introducing him as the “GOAT” in her show. But he only added that he “would allow the GOAT discussion to include anyone else but (him)“. Rafael Nadal is still leading the race with 22 Grand Slam titles.

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