Serbian no longer ‘a joke’ to Federer

Roger Federer might not be Novak Djokovic’s dinner date anytime soon but Switzerland’s six-time Wimbledon champion yesterday denied he bears any animosity towards the man he will tackle in the semi-finals.

Speculation the relationship between the multiple major winners is frosty was quashed by Federer, who stressed they had talked through a flare-up which occurred during a Davis Cup match six years ago.

At the time of the clash between Switzerland and Serbia, Federer labelled the teenage Djokovic “a joke” after he sought treatment in a match against Stanislas Wawrinka. Federer questioned whether Djokovic was hurt at all.

Federer said at the time: “I don’t trust his injuries. I’m serious. I think he’s a joke, you know, when it comes down to his injuries.”

But that 2006 episode no longer appears a factor, and they head to their first grass court showdown tomorrow if not as the best of friends then at least on civil terms.

Looking back to the match in Geneva, Federer said: “I was just upset at him calling the trainer out for no obvious reason against my buddy, Stan, in a five-setter. That was it. We had a quick chat about it in Madrid after that, and things have been cool for a long time between me and him.

“I’ve always respected him. Have I gone out for dinner with him? No.

“But I’ve had many meetings with him at the council, and then now with the grand slams. He’s been nice to work with. We’ve met on several occasions because of other things together.

“I have no issues with him, and I hope you believe me.”

Federer also underlined how much it would mean to him to land a seventh title.

“Obviously it’s a big deal. There’s no denying that,” he said.

“It feels great being back in the semis. I haven’t been here in the last couple of years.

“Usually I play some of my best tennis in the last couple rounds. Obviously I’m aware that Novak is the defending champion and the world No 1. That’s not going to make it easy to come through.”