Wimbledon 2018: 3 Players who stand between Roger Federer and history

#2 Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic dispatched Karen Khachanov in the fourth round to book his place in the quarterfinals. In the quarters, he would face an old foe in Kei Nishikori. Of the 15 times they’ve met, Djokovic has come out on top on thirteen of those occasions.

Djokovic has slowly but surely played his way into form. Apart from a minor blip against home favourite, Kyle Edmund, he has waltzed through to the quarterfinals.

Djokovic last won a Grand Slam in 2016 when he won in Paris but has been troubled by injuries ever since. If he can fight off a potential semi-final against Nadal, he would want to end Federer’s bid for a 9th Wimbledon title.

Djokovic holds the edge over Federer in the head to head with him winning 23 of the 45 matches they have played. He has also won their previous two meetings.

Against Federer, Djokovic would want to control the game with his ground strokes. When Djokovic enjoyed success against Federer, his most lethal weapon was his cross-court backhand. Federer was forced to defend with his single-handed backhand and this led to errors.

If Djokovic can land his forehands and backhands with surgical precision, he could get his hands on his first Grand Slam for two years.