Nemaja Vidic hopes countryman Novak Djokovic would put a smile on his face tomorrow as the Serb slogs it out with Briton Andy Murray in the men’s singles final at Wimbledon, regardless of the looks of his former boss at Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson.
The United skipper Vidic, who said he “got interested in tennis because of him (Djokovic)”, accompanied his former boss, Sir Alex, to the All England Club on Wednesday to watch the top seed defeat Tomas Berdych in the quarter-final on Court One before watching Murray beat Fernando Verdasco on Centre Court.
The former ‘Red Devils’ boss famously gatecrashed a press conference following Murray’s US Open semi-final triumph over Berdych in New York last year.
Murray was otherwise engaged yesterday, taking part in David Moyes’ first press conference as United manager at Old Trafford, while Djokovic was emerging victorious from his epic semi-final with Juan-Martin del Potro.
Djokovic-Murray final is the one Vidic and Ferguson had hoped for even if they share discordant views of who they want to win.
“Sir Alex is a big supporter of Andy Murray and I had a word with him on Wednesday about what it would be like if both he and Novak reached the final,” Vidic told Press Association Sport.
“He said he would love that final. I said the same.
“The players are good friends as well. It should be a really good game- although naturally I hope Novak wins.”
Vidic has been loyal to Ferguson on several occasions but has no intention of abandoning his roots to appease the 71-year-old.
“It will be fun,” said Vidic. “I desperately want Novak to win so that next time I see Sir Alex I will be able to have a conversation with him about the tennis again.”
“I accept Sir Alex is a big supporter of Andy Murray but I know also that he is a true sportsman.
“He respects any sportsman playing on a high level because of the sacrifice they have made in their lives and all the work they have done throughout their careers.
“Definitely, Novak has done that,” Vidic said.
