This is the final everyone wanted. Djokovic vs Federer – world No.1 vs world No. 2. Djokovic was expected to be here, even if his semifinal against Roberto Bautista Agut wasn’t the cake walk it was expected to be, with his opponent taking the second set 6-4. Federer however, was not the favorite against Nadal in his semifinal, but this writer’s prediction came to fruition as the record holder of eight Gentlemen’s Singles titles edged closer to a ninth. With Federer’s career winding down, most people want to see him close this one out, but Djokovic remains the favorite with opening odds of -200 compared to jolly Roger’s +160. It’s a tough one to call folks – who will win the 2019 Wimbledon? Let’s take a look.
Head to head notes: This rivalry is not exactly one-sided with Djokovic having a slight all-time lead with a 25-22 record against Federer, winning 53% of the time. But worse for Federer’s case, is that Djokovic won the last three meetings. In addition, Djokovic ousted Federer in two Wimbledon Finals in a row, back in 2014 and 2015. While years ago, it’s fresh on Fed’s memory, which could work for or against the 37 year old.
Betting Preview for the Wimbledon Men’s Singles Final Featuring Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer on July 14, 2019
Where: All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, London, United Kingdom
When: Sunday, July 14, 2019, 9:00 AM ET
Line: Roger Federer (+160) vs. Novak Djokovic (-200)
TV Broadcast: ESPN, NBC Sports, TSN, Tennis Channel
Betting on Novak Djokovic (-200)
Djokovic enters the Finals after a fairly dominant effort in a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Roberto Bautista Agut. Save for a second-set thud, the rest of the match was mostly a clinic put up by the Serbian. Djokovic put 59 percent of his first serves in and won 76 percent of his points on first serves. He also converted seven of 10 chances to score a break point and went 19-for-27 when attacking the net. Like what we mentioned earlier about Federer, Djokovic needs to take the first set, not only to set the tone and pressure his opponent but also to quiet at least for a bit what is expected to be a largely pro-Federer crowd. Djokovic possesses a strong return game, which will be a huge weapon for him in combating Federer’s strength. Djokovic will be at an advantage also if he can force long rallies against his older opponent. Djokovic leads the all-time head-to-head matchup with Federer, 25-22. He’s won the last three meetings with Federer, though, all those were on the hardcourt.
Betting on Roger Federer (+160)
Federer’s age is what most people think is his biggest hurdle to win a Grand Slam at this point of his career, but the Swiss legend has done an absolutely remarkable job of belying his 37-year-old body. Nothing says more about the incredible form Federer is showing at Wimbledon than his 7-6 (7-3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over archrival Rafael Nadal. It was a testy affair all throughout, especially in the first two sets, but Federer broke away in the last. Djokovic is never going to be an easy opponent for anyone, and a big factor for Federer in the Finals will be how good his service will be. Federer put 68 percent of his first serves in against Nadal and won 62 percent of his first service points. Also, Federer will have to be aggressive right away and try to get the first set and put the pressure on Djokovic early. Federer’s return game has been on point for the most part of the 2019 Wimbledon. He’s second in the men’s singles with 121 receiving points — just two behind Djokovic’s tournament-leading mark.
Writer’s Prediction
Federer gives the crowd what they want, and wins in four sets to claim his ninth Wimbledon title.
