LONDON (AP) – For all their time on the world’s biggest tennis stage – Roger Federer in 24 Grand Slam finals and Novak Djokovic in 13 – two of the sport’s “Big 4” have met in only one major final: Federer won in straight sets at the 2007 U.S. Open.
They’ll renew their rivalry in a championship match at Wimbledon on Sunday and equal a Grand Slam record. It’s the 12th time they’ve met in any round of a major, equaling Djokovic’s duel with Rafael Nadal in majors.
Federer leads Djokovic 6-5 in Grand Slams tournaments, including a win the only time they’ve met at Wimbledon – Federer prevailing in four sets in the 2012 semifinals, the only time they’ve met on grass.
The Swiss star holds an 18-16 edge in career matches, although Djokovic has won three of five matches they’ve played since 2013, including this year on clay at Monte Carlo.
Federer is making his first appearance in a Grand Slam final since he won here in 2012, and has done it emphatically – dropping just one set in six matches.