27. Wawrinka – Djokovic duel – ‘zero chance’ for Wawrinka – is he still using it? – Sports

He cost Wawrinka Djokovic two major titles

Not that he rarely – or unsuccessfully – did it. The two have played each other 26 times, and Wawrinka has won six times, including his first tournament victory in 2006 in Umag (CRO) and four times in major tournaments. “He took two Grand Slam titles away from me,” is Djokovic’s first thought with the prospect of a duel with Romand, who is two years his senior. “After those difficult knee surgeries, and at almost 40 years old, he’s still fighting and creating new stories. Not many can say that about themselves.”

Admiration is understandable. Wawrinka beat Djokovic in the finals of the 2015 French Open and the 2016 US Open, in the quarter-finals of the 2014 Australian Open and in the round of 16 of the 2019 US Open. So only Wimbledon missed. “Zero chance,” the man from Lausanne said, laughing. He knows he no longer has the ability he had a few years ago. With the strong performance, he won two rounds at a major tournament in London for the first time since Paris 2020.

Find Djokovic’s weakness

“I am very happy with the way things are going so far,” confirms Wawrinka. But: “Did you see him play?” You enter with a laugh. “Just give me one weak point.” He hopes he can at least “put a fight in and make the game fun”. He had to play his best game in the past. “And I haven’t been able to do that for a long time.”

Wawrinka sees himself as a clear outsider against Djokovic – as much as anyone else, especially on grass. The Serb hasn’t lost at Wimbledon in 6 years, not even on center court since the 2013 final against Andy Murray. With a hint of humor, the Swiss says: “I will play against Djokovic on Friday, and then I will enjoy watching the rest of the tournament.”

Still see a small advantage. “If I play really well and keep the score close, Djokovic will definitely think he’s already lost some big matches against me.” Not many can say that about themselves.