Novak Djokovic edged rival Rafael Nadal in a thrilling Wimbledon semifinal spectacle.
Djokovic owns a 27-25 lead over Nadal in the most prolific ATP rivalry in history.
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Despite that winning edge the 13-time Grand Slam champion says facing Nadal remains the ultimate test in sport.
"We're not teenagers anymore. And I think we both are very pleased that we're able to play at this level," Djokovic told the media in Toronto after his 6-3, 7-6 (3) win over lucky loser Mirza Basic. "And, you know, Rafa being No. 1 in the world, deservedly so, is always probably the biggest challenge that you can face in sport, you know, facing him on clay. Any other tournament, but especially on clay."
An inspired Djokovic out-dueled Nadal, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (9), 3-6, 10-8, in a classic semifinal clash spanning two days that sent the Serbian into his fifth Wimbledon final and 22nd Grand Slam championship match.
Djokovic calls his Wimbledon semifinal triumph one of the most exciting matches he's ever played.
"Wimbledon semifinals was definitely one the best, most exciting matches that I was part of, and that's not uncommon with Nadal," Djokovic said. "You know, we had plenty of those in the past. And, yeah, it was one of those matches where literally it was so even that it really could have gone either way.
"And until the last shot, I didn't know whether I was going to win. I believed I could, but yeah. It was a really thrilling match and just one of the matches that I'll never forget and carry with me for the rest of my life."
Photo credit: Christopher Levy