Novak Djokovic: Of course I would consider myself favourite

July 12, 2023

ATP Tennis Players, Novak Djokovic, Tennis News, Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic: Of course I would consider myself favourite for Wimbledon title

Novak Djokovic has backed himself as the favourite to win a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title, with the Serb reaching a 12th semi-final after beating Andrey Rublev.

Djokovic beat Rublev, 4-6 6-1 6-4 6-3, in his quarter-final match on Centre Court and in his post-match press conference was asked about whether he considered himself favourite for a fifth consecutive Wimbledon title.

“I mean, I don’t want to sound arrogant, but of course I would consider myself favourite,” claimed Djokovic. “Judging with the results I had in my career here, previous four occasions of Wimbledon that I won, and reaching other semi-final, I do consider myself favourite, yes.”

Roger Federer – 429
Serena Williams – 423
NOVAK DJOKOVIC – 400 🆕

Djokovic defeats Rublev 4-6 6-1 6-4 6-3 in his 400th Grand Slam Appearance – only the third player in HISTORY to do so!
#Wimbledon | @Wimbledon
pic.twitter.com/AMjHOGdw1y
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 11, 2023

Despite his understandable confidence at the moment, the 23-time Grand Slam champion will now play the man who pushed him furthest at SW19 last year, Jannik Sinner.

Sinner is into his first major semi-final after beating Roman Safiullin, with the 21-year-old still yet to play anyone ranked above No.79 in the ATP rankings.

Djokovic assessed the threat that the Italian poses, “He’s playing on a very high level. He likes to play on grass. He likes to play on quick surfaces because he likes to be aggressive and take control of the point. From both forehand and backhand, he’s smashing the ball really, really hard, trying to be the one that is going to dictate the point from early on. I know his game well.”

He continued, “He’s so young, so of course it’s expected that he’s going to improve. He is improving, no doubt, I think with the serve. He’s been serving better. On grass, obviously makes a difference.

“He’s a very complete player. Now first time in semis of Wimbledon. I’m looking forward to that challenge. We both have two days to recover. I’m sure that he’s going to be very, very motivated to win. On the other hand, I am, too. Let’s see what happens.”

14,86 – There would be an age gap of 14 years and 86 days between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, making it the largest between two men's players in a Wimbledon semi-final in the Open Era. Battle. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/AzRSBpR6GD
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) July 11, 2023

Djokovic will play Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-final on Friday, with both players looking to create more history for themselves.

Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner head-to-head

As mentioned, Sinner pushed Djokovic as far as anyone last year at Wimbledon, so we at Tennishead wanted to look back at that clash as well as their only other meeting:

Djokovic vs Sinner: 2-0