The first thing Novak Djokovic did when he left Centre Court after defeating Denis Shapovalov was seek out the 22-year-old Canadian in the locker room to offer words of consolation. Shapovalov, who left the court in tears after his efforts, appreciated the gesture.

“It meant a lot to me,” said the No.10 seed, who had never reached the last four of a Grand Slam before. “He really didn't have to. He just told me he knows how difficult it is for me right now, and that everything will come. For me, that’s big coming from someone like him. It just shows the type of person he is. I have tremendous respect for him. I don’t think he’s praised enough. He’s an incredible guy.”

Djokovic himself was full of praise for Shapovalov.

“He was the better player for the first couple sets,” said the Serb. “In important moments I probably held my nerve better than he did. It's tough to play Denis, particularly on grass and quicker surfaces with the lefty serve that he's got. He can hit any spot. When he's on, when he's feeling that serve, it's a weapon on any surface against anyone.

“He has matured as a player. He's always been very aggressive, trying to make winners, come to the net, dictate the play from the back of the court. But now he's a bit more patient in his game. He's understanding how to construct the point.”

After that, the world No.1 began to focus on his last and greatest task at Wimbledon 2021 – facing Queen’s champion Matteo Berrettini in the final. It will be Djokovic’s 30th Grand Slam final, and Berrettini’s first. The Serb’s own maiden experience at that level was a tough one. As runner-up to Roger Federer at the US Open in 2007, he had five set points in the first set and two in the second, but was defeated in straight sets by the top seed.

“I remember that I was just so thrilled to be in the final,” remembered Djokovic. “I had a good match but I just probably did not believe enough in the victory at certain moments when the scoreline was close.

“I was really young, 20 years old. Matteo is a bit older [25]. He's had more experience playing on the Tour. He's already had notable results in the biggest tournaments and some big wins against the top players of the world. I expect him to be on really high level because that's what he's been delivering in last couple weeks. He’s in great form, serving big and playing big.

“To win a 20th Grand Slam would mean everything. That's why I'm here, and why I'm playing. I imagined myself being in a position to fight for another Grand Slam trophy prior to coming to London. I’ve put myself in a very good position and I’m looking forward to a great battle.”
 
But he is aware that the Centre Court crowd may cheer on Berrettini, as the underdog.
 
“I hope that I will have the stadium on my side. Having the crowd behind you, against you, it's a big difference. People like to see someone win who is an underdog or is not maybe expected to win, is not the favourite. But hopefully people can also recognise also the importance of this match for me, the history that is on the line.”

The last word goes to Shapovalov. Would he be happy to have Djokovic as a mentor some time in the future?
 
“Yes, I’d be very happy,” said the Canadian with a bitter-sweet smile. “It would mean he had stopped playing.”

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