Novak Djokovic is rediscovering his belief ahead of Wimbledon after reaching the final of the Eastbourne International.
The 30-year-old top seed has reached only his third final of 2017 and has done so without dropping a set in overcoming Canada's Vasek Pospisil, American Donald Young and Russian Daniil Medvedev.
Further improvement is likely needed to succeed at SW19 but ahead of his meeting in Saturday's showpiece with Gael Monfils, Djokovic is taking encouragement following a difficult 12 months.
Djokovic won the Qatar Open in January and reached the final of the Italian Open last month, where he lost to Alexander Zverev in straight sets, and feels vindicated in breaking from his pre-Wimbledon routine.
"I am enjoying undoubtedly this week and the fact that I'm in the finals obviously makes it even better," said the Serbian, who is competing between the French Open and the All England Club for the first time since 2010.
"I'm really glad that I'll be able to fight for the trophy. I haven't had too many opportunities to fight for the trophy in the last 10 to 12 months.
"I haven't had too many finals, so it's actually a good feeling, and it's something I'm working very hard for.
"It comes in the right moment, because I need to build that kind of level of confidence and the matches won obviously help that. Coming into Wimbledon, I'm hoping that I can continue in this path of raising the performance and the quality of tennis."
Monfils recovered from an injury to his left knee in the second set to defeat his compatriot Richard Gasquet 6-2 6-7 (9-7) 7-6 (7-4).
"He's such a dynamic player and unpredictable," Djokovic said.
"He's so athletic. He has a big, big serve. He can beat anyone, especially with that serve. I have played him many times before, so I have very good head-to-head, but I don't think we ever played on grass. It would be a first."
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