SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Johnson inspired by Querrey for Federer clash

LONDON (Reuters) - Steve Johnson says he will draw inspiration from doubles partner Sam Querrey as he attempts to pull off a second huge upset at this year's Wimbledon, against Roger Federer on Monday.

Johnson inspired by Querrey for Federer clash
(Reuters)

2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters


Skip to article content

Querrey sent shockwaves around the sporting world when he broke Novak Djokovic's stranglehold on the game by knocking the world number one out in the third round on Saturday.

Unseeded Johnson, in the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time after beating Grigor Dimitrov, said Querrey's exploits were a shot in the arm for the underdogs.

"Gives everybody confidence. You see Novak lose, you sense the locker room, like believe there is a chance," the 26-year-old told reporters.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"(Djokovic) has that aura about him right now, as did Roger back in the day and as did Rafa at the French.

"Once you see him go down, I think guys will start to believe that they also can do it. So I think it's going to be interesting."

Johnson said fellow Californian Querrey's positivity was infectious.

"Hopefully, you know, his good vibes -- he's a very happy-go-lucky guy -- hopefully his positivity out there wears off on me as well and I think vice versa."

Johnson has never played Federer but believes he can upset the seven-times Wimbledon champion who is yet to drop a set.

"It's going to be a great experience. I'm going to go out there thinking I'm going to be the winner," he said.

"I have no fear out there. I'm going to go out there and try and play my best tennis and hopefully my plan works."

Johnson might even copy Querrey's pre-match preparation, after revealing that the 28-year-old relaxed during the rain breaks that interrupted his match against Djokovic by practising his putting in the locker room.

"Sam is Sam. He's in the locker room joking, golfing around, putting. Man, you have Djokovic two sets on the ropes.

"There are a bunch of putters in there. He was putting around. Having fun with all the guys in the locker room.

"But for him it works. It's great. Sam's a great guy."

Querrey takes on Frenchman Nicolas Mahut on Monday.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Ed Osmond)


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world