Roger Federer ‘very excited’ for first Novak Djokovic meeting since Wimbledon final epic

Roger Federer is relishing a first meeting with Novak Djokovic since their ‘special’ Wimbledon final clash.

The pair have not crossed paths since Federer failed to convert two championship points in the longest final in Wimbledon’s history, with Djokovic winning the first singles 12-12 tiebreaker played at the All England Club to win a five-set thriller.

Barring any late injury, the duo will definitely meet this week in London having both been drawn in Group Bjorn Borg.

Should Djokovic and Federer win their opening group stage matches against Matteo Berrettini and Dominic Thiem respectively, they will go face-to-face on Tuesday – with a night session match virtually guaranteed.

‘I’m very excited about playing against Novak again here,’ Federer said. ‘I’m happy to be in his group. Wimbledon was epic.

‘It’s not going to be that epic here because it’s best-of-three and all that stuff. That was a special match for both of us – maybe a bit more for him than for me, but that’s ok. I moved on a long time ago.

‘When we match up I think our games match up really nicely. It’s great for the crowds, super-athletic, we have different playing styles.

‘I think the court here is pretty quick so it will be interesting. I think indoors is maybe focused more on your serve and all that stuff rather than on what your opponent does. It should be exciting.’

Both have impressive records indoors and at these finals.

Federer has won 81.3% of his matches indoors, winning six ATP Finals – a record – and 26 titles in total, while Djokovic has won 78.7% of indoor matches, won five ATP Finals and 13 titles.

Their indoor records are far superior to the rest of the O2 field, with no other player posting a win rate of more than 70% on the surface.

Djokovic – who is chasing the year-end No. 1 spot in London – is the pre-tournament favourite, but Federer will likely enjoy more crowd support, as was the case at Wimbledon, when they collide this week.

‘I appreciate support wherever I go. I don’t ask for their support,’ Federer added. ‘If it happens, great, and if it doesn’t I understand.

‘What I like about tennis fans for the most part is that they’re very polite, very supportive.

‘I guess they feel they’re also lucky to be at the stadium, that they do get a chance to see professional tennis. At the O2 here we can’t complain. They’ve been wonderful.’

MORE : How Rafael Nadal has trained amid injury battle to reach ATP Finals for No. 1 battle with Novak Djokovic

MORE : In Andy and Jamie Murray’s absence, Britain’s new trickshot king Joe Salisbury stands alone at the ATP Finals

MORE : Is it time for tennis to truly embrace shorter formats?