Novak Djokovic admits “it will mean everything” to capture a sixth Wimbledon title and record-equalling 20th Grand Slam on Sunday but he will have to overcome Matteo Berrettini, the Italian slugger with the build of a heavyweight boxer.
Djokovic will move level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on career majors with victory and also go three-quarters of the way to the first calendar Slam in more than half a century.
The 34-year-old is in his seventh Wimbledon final and 30th at the Slams.
Only Federer, with 31, has appeared in more championship matches at the majors but the fading Swiss star is more than five years older.
“It would mean everything. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m playing,” said Djokovic who has already captured a ninth Australian Open and second French Open in 2021.
The victory in Paris made him just the third man to win all four majors more than once.
“I imagined myself being in a position to fight for another Grand Slam trophy prior to coming to London.
“I put myself in a very good position. Anything is possible in the finals. Obviously experience is on my side.”
Berrettini, the 25-year-old world number nine, is the first Italian ever to make a singles final at Wimbledon.
Victory will make him Italy’s first male Slam champion since Adriano Panatta at the 1976 French Open.
He has lost both his previous encounters with Djokovic, including the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last month.
But he is on a run of 11-0 this season on grass having won the Queen’s Club event on the eve of Wimbledon.
“It’s going to be a great atmosphere. My first final in Wimbledon, it’s just crazy to think about it,” said Berrettini.
A shock victory on Sunday could be the first part of a sporting double for Italy in London with the country’s football team taking on England in the Euro 2020 final.
“Obviously for Italian people in general, but it’s going to be tough Sunday,” he said.
Berrettini is likely to have the majority of the 15,000 fans inside Centre Court behind him.
Djokovic has become familiar with such scenarios.
“People also like to see someone win who is an underdog or is not maybe expected to win, is not the favourite to win,” admitted Djokovic.
“But hopefully people can also recognise also the importance of this match for me, the history that is on the line.
“I’m prepared for anything really that is going to happen in terms of the crowd support on Sunday.”