Novak Djokovic outclassed Italian underdog Lorenzo Musetti to reach the Wimbledon final and set up a showdown with reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in a repeat of last year’s final.
In an impressive display, the 37-year-old stayed on course for a record-equalling eighth men’s singles title at Wimbledon with a comprehensive 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 victory on Centre Court.
Musetti, 22, had one chance to get the break back in the final set but sent a forehand into the top of the net and then crouched down with his head in his hands, knowing the end was near.
Djokovic made sure his opponent did not get another opportunity.
He forced the Italian under pressure, with Musetti sending a shot long as Djokovic calmly walked to the net, showing no signs of celebration, but knowing he had reached his 37th Grand Slam final and 10th at Wimbledon.
The Serb then moved his racquet over his shoulder and imitated playing a violin, in a gesture aimed at his six-year-old daughter Tara, with television cameras showing her grinning along.
Alcaraz beat Djokovic in last year’s showpiece, winning 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 in a five-set epic, which lasted four hours 42 minutes and is regarded one of the best matches in the tournament’s history.
The pair meet again on Sunday in what could be another amazing chapter in Wimbledon folklore.
‘Alcaraz as complete a player as they come’
Asked about Spaniard Alcaraz, Djokovic said: “He’s a great example of a player that has an all-round balance, he has a great team around him, great values in his life, a lot of charisma and is someone who carries himself superbly – and that’s one of the reasons why is so popular.
“He’s one of the greatest 21-year-olds we’ve ever seen and we’re going to see a lot of him in the future, no doubt. He’s going to win many Grand Slams, but hopefully not in two days. He can do it when I retire.”
Djokovic, who is 16 years older than Alcaraz, added: “He already beat me here in a Wimbledon final in a five-set thriller so I don’t expect anything less than a huge battle.
“He is as complete a player as they come, so it’s going to take the best of my ability to beat him.”
More to follow.
BBC
