Ask TTI: WWW (Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Final Edition)

It was a successful day for the TTI crew in predicting the Ladies final (thanks, Serena!) but now it’s time to turn our attention to the men. One year removed from a tensely-contested five set thriller between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, the top seed and seven-time champion meet again on Centre Court.

Who have we tipped to claim the crown?

RENÉ

This one is difficult to pick. In the semifinals we saw Roger Federer deliver one of his best performances in recent years. Novak Djokovic, by comparison, got through his match against Richard Gasquet almost on auto-pilot — never having to really tap into his A-game.

Maybe I’m blinded by Federer’s quality of serve but I will go out on a limb and pick Swiss over Serb. But there are arguments to be made for either side, and I’m mighty curious to see where my fellow Islanders are going with their predictions.

Prediction: Federer in four sets

NICK

This is as close as it gets. Djokovic and Federer will be squaring off in the Wimbledon final for the second year in a row, with the odds-makers giving the 2014 champion a slight edge. Based off form, the obvious pick is Federer — who arguably played the finest match of his storied career in the semifinals. Yet by going off previous encounters, Djokovic is the clear favorite; the World No. 1 has had Federer’s number in big events of late — though the Swiss still leads their head-to-head, 20-19.

One can’t expect Federer to serve as well as he did against Murray, but if he’s anywhere close, he’ll be a major threat to take down his 18th major title. The Serb was my pre-tournament pick, but the remarkably high standard of play Federer has exhibited over the fortnight has changed my mind, and the nod here goes to him if he can get it done in less than five sets — which I think he can.

Prediction: Federer in four sets

DAVID

For the second straight year, Djokovic came to the All England Club after heartbreak in Paris. Close as he was to the Career Slam against Stan Wawrinka, one could argue that he had as big of a chance against Nadal in 2014. Despite the disappointments, the top seed has rebounded well at Wimbledon each time.

Don’t like the Federer/Djokovic rivalry? Be quiet.

But for real, when it comes to “Best Big 4 match-up,” this one has math on its side.

Federer willed his way into a fifth set last year, but Djokovic was hardly troubled as the match headed into its final stretch. It hasn’t been easy for the Serb to succeed outside of the Australian Open, but Djokovic is at his best when he feels he has something to prove. He may not have the Career Slam, but he should have a third Wimbledon title come Sunday afternoon.

Prediction: Djokovic in five sets

JANE

Thrilled to see the top two seeds in the final, once again. Last’s year win by Djokovic, in five sets, should not be viewed as a map for tomorrow’s blockbuster. Though both were at the tops of their games this fortnight, Federer’s three-set win over Andy Murray clearly demonstrated just how calm, in control, and dangerous Federer is — and could be on Sunday. His service statistics, the power with which he’s connecting with his backhand (the weaker side) also indicates the seriousness of his intentions.

Nothing will come easy, though, so expect a battle from the two.

Prediction: Federer in four sets

JEFF

Federer was at his vintage best in the semifinal against Murray, where the latter was simply outclassed. Djokovic had a scare in the round of 16, losing two tiebreaks to the big serving Kevin Anderson, but has gotten through some tricky opponents without playing his best.

Although the top seed has a somewhat dubious reputation in major finals, I remain unconvinced that Federer will be able to replicate his semifinal form for more than a set or two . If Djokovic puts on anything close to the return clinics of which he’s capable, I suspect his serve and his exceptional grass court defense should be enough to move past Federer for a second straight year.

Prediction: Djokovic in four sets

VIKA

I picked Roger Federer to win it all a fortnight ago, and I’m sticking to that. These two have been mirror images this fortnight; Novak Djokovic got through his first six matches without having to play his best tennis — including a scrape past Kevin Anderson from two sets down — while Federer’s fortnight came together as he conjured up a magical match to see off Andy Murray in the semifinals. I think Sunday’s final will unfold in similar fashion to Federer’s Friday, with the match decided by a few points late in each set.

I’ve always felt that Federer had a chance to take one more Wimbledon title before he retires, and I don’t think he’s going to let what could be his final chance slip away.

Prediction: Federer in four sets

What are your predictions? Sound off in the comments!