Novak Djokovic told fans to “expect fireworks” when he faces Nick Kyrgios in his record-breaking 32nd grand slam final at Wimbledon on Sunday.
Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer (31) for the most major finals among male players with his four-set victory over Cam Norrie in Friday’s semi-final.
It means he will now face Kyrgios, who progressed without playing after Rafael Nadal withdrew from their last-four meeting due to an abdominal injury.
The six-time Wimbledon champion has never beaten Kyrgios, losing each of their previous meetings in Acapulco and Indian Wells in 2017 in straight sets.
Their third encounter could be one high on emotion. Djokovic appeared to blow kisses towards a heckler in the Centre Court crowd after defeating Norrie while Kyrgios, known for his on-court outbursts, was recently involved in an extremely tempestuous third-round clash with fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“One thing’s for sure, there’s going to be a lot of fireworks emotionally from both [of us],” Djokovic said on court afterwards.
“It’s going to be his first grand slam final obviously he’s very, very excited, he doesn’t have much to lose and he’s always playing like that.
“He’s playing so freely, one of the biggest serves in the game, just big game overall, a lot of power in his shots.
“We haven’t played for some time. I’ve never won a set off him so hopefully it can be different this time.
“It’s another final for me here in Wimbledon with the tournament that I love so much so hopefully the experience can work in my favour.”