Novak Djokovic can move one step closer to tennis history by making yet another Wimbledon final.
The 36-year-old takes on Jannik Sinner on Friday in a bid to make his 35th Grand Slam final and a ninth appearance at the showpiece final at the All England Club.
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He can win a record equalling eighth men’s singles title and five in a row – tying Roger Federer’s records.
While Djokovic and Wimbledon finals go hand-in-hand, his fellow semi-finalists have not been this deep at SW19 before.
Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz play in the other last four match, both having one Grand Slam title to their name.
In comparison, Djokovic has 23 Grand Slam titles – so the intimidation factor is high.
There’s plenty about the Serbian superstar that is intimidating, including his career prize money that dwarfs his rivals.
He has made a whopping £130.7million since his debut on the ATP Tour in 2004.
That’s an incredible £87m more than his three rivals COMBINED.
Medvedev, who denied Djokovic the calendar Slam in 2021 by winning the US Open, has made an impressive £24.2m over his career.
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Alcaraz is just 20 and has already racked up £12.8m, while Sinner has made £6.8m.
The winner of Wimbeldon in 2023 will be able to add £2.35m to their earnings.
Djokovic will use that intimidation factor and status of being one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of all-time to get him over the line.
With Roger Federer retired and out of the picture and Rafael Nadal not a factor for now, the 36-year-old appears at peace with himself and his role of the scalp all the youngsters want.
“I think any tennis player wants to be in a position where everyone wants to win against you on the court,” he said.
“It is a privilege, as Billie Jean [King] said. Pressure is part of what we do, it is part of our sport. It’s never going to go away, regardless of how many Grand Slams you win or how many matches you won or how many years that you’re playing professionally on the tour.
“The pressure is paramount, every single time I come out on the court, particularly here on Centre Court at Wimbledon.
“But at the same time it awakens the most beautiful emotions in me and it motivates me beyond what I’ve ever dreamed of, and it inspires me to play my best tennis.”
As for his rivals, Djokovic had a simple message: “I know that they want to get a scalp, they want to win but it ain’t happening, still.”
