Wimbledon: Can Federer conjure magic a second time against Djokovic in the final?

Roger Federer put on a sublime performance in taking out his great rival Rafael Nadal on Friday, in a semifinal match that represented the very best of the sport, 7-6(3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Roger Federer played a masterclass match against frenemy Rafael Nadal to book his final spot against another great rival, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.

The packed crowd at Center Court expected greatness, rivaling the best match that has ever been played, the 2008 final between the two. What the crowd got was a match that lived up to every inch of the hype, with both players battling in thrilling fashion.

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Federer served at a very high level, 69% on first serve, winning 73% of his first serve points. The backhand—the go-to-target of matches past for Nadal—was a free-flowing, weapon, just like it had been when the Swiss had beaten the Spaniard in the comeback win at the 2017 Australian Open. And when he was in trouble, he called on his more formidable weapon, his mighty serve that overpowered when he needed a boost in the match.

Perhaps most remarkably, however, were the rallies that the 37-year-old engaged in with Rafa. The 33-year-old has so often chipped away at opponents in the past with punishing baseline rallies, but in the semi, the 20-time slam champion matched him toe-for-toe.

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Considered the greatest grass court tennis player of all time (and GOAT), Federer clocked in his record 101st Wimbledon match win in glorious form, leaving a confounded Nadal to ponder not only how he lost, but if he’ll ever win an elusive third title at the All England Club.

It was an unforgettable match and it was magic in a 40th edition of their storied rivalry. You almost wished it had been the final.

Federer’s wife, Mirka, was even caught on camera calling her husband “Superman.”

What does he get after putting on such a masterclass performance? A faceoff with his other prodigious rival, top seed Novak Djokovic.

Their head-to-head is a bit more even, however. In their 47 bouts, Djokovic is ahead with 25 wins over 22 for his older combatant. The Serbian has had better luck against Federer in the last couple of years than Nadal, winning their last three encounters.

"“Novak is the defending champion and he has shown that this week,” said Federer after his semifinal win over Rafa.“He has been really solid. I will try and push him to the brink, but it will be difficult as it’s not for nothing that he is number one.“But I am very, very excited to say the least.”"

Djokovic took away two Wimbledon trophies from Fed, back-to-back wins (2014-2015). The victories occurred during the 15-time slam champ’s era of dominance. The four-time Wimbledon titlist looks pretty unstoppable this time around and he will be highly motivated to defend his title and achieve a fifth grass slam.

“It’s the final of Wimbledon. This is the kind of match that I always dreamed of being part of as a young boy with the tennis racquet. This is what I worked for. I wanted to be in this position,” said Djokovic in his ATP press conference. “I have a chance to fight for a trophy. Regardless of who’s across the net or what is happening, I’ll definitely give it my all.”

Both he and Federer have been evenly matched throughout the fortnight, each dropping a set in the first week, and again in their tough semifinals. Djokovic’s form also dipped in the second set against Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Federer played a spellbinding match against Nadal on Friday. Does he have it in him to produce another wizard’s duel again on Sunday? Roger Federer has never beaten both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the same grand slam. Actually, no one has, except for another Swiss man, his friend, Stan Wawrinka, who achieved the unthinkable at the 2014 Australian Open, the first of his three slam titles. If Fed could phone a friend if he’s down in the match, he should probably turn to him.

If Federer wins, he will be the oldest grand slam men’s winner in the Open Era. The Wimbledon veteran will likely have the crowd behind him. Like the Nadal match, winning the first set will be key.

"“Federer’s got to play even better but I think the crowd will have a really big part to play,” former British No. 1 Tim Henman said on the BBC, via Yahoo.“We saw even against Bautista Agut, Djokovic gets a little bit frustrated. The crowd will be massively on Federer’s side.“I think if Federer can get off to a good start, he has a chance. Djokovic is the favorite. I’m going to say Djokovic to win but I’ll go five sets.”"

In their 48th gladiatorial showing, the highly anticipated match will likely be another captivating contest of wills. The odds favor the world No. 1 from Serbia, having won their last match at Wimbledon and their last three bouts. Odds say we’re in for another five-set thriller between the two titans of the sport.

However, I’m going to go out on a limb and give a slight edge to the 37-year-old magician from Basel. Federer is the greatest grass court player and he will prove a more formidable challenge for Djokovic than he did in 2014-2015. It will likely be a contest for the ages between two tennis warriors playing at the pinnacle of the sport.

It’s no wonder that the nextgen can’t even come close. With these two titans defining greatness, who wants to watch anyone else?

The incredible gentleman’s Wimbledon final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer takes place at 9:00 a.m., ET, viewable on ESPN, with an encore presentation on The Tennis Channel. Will it be No. 21 for Federer or 16 for Djokovic? Get the strawberries and cream ready. And the popcorn. Also, the beer (or champagne).