Defending champion Novak Djokovic gets to Wimbledon final
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London: Defending champion Novak Djokovic has secured a place in his ninth Wimbledon final, setting a new record with 35 Grand Slam singles title match appearances.
In today’s performance, Djokovic overpowered the hard-hitting Jannik Sinner, winning 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) in a match filled with intensity and on-court drama, reported AFP.
The Serbian star's victory not only brought him closer to a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title but also solidified his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Djokovic's resilient display against Sinner showcased his determination and competitiveness, evident in his exchanges with the umpire and playful taunting of spectators.
The 36-year-old will now face either world number one Carlos Alcaraz or Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev in his fifth consecutive Wimbledon final on Sunday.
If Djokovic wins the final, he will equal the remarkable feat of eight Wimbledon crowns achieved by Roger Federer. He has his sights set on an even more momentous achievement in Sunday's final.
With 23 Grand Slam singles titles under his belt, Djokovic aims to match Margaret Court's historic record of 24 major titles. The world number two has already triumphed at this year's Australian Open and French Open, and he now aspires to complete a remarkable calendar Grand Slam by winning the US Open in August.
Sinner, the Italian eighth seed, came close to an upset against Djokovic in last year's Wimbledon quarter-finals, where the Serbian staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down to secure victory. However, this time around, Djokovic seized control from the outset, comfortably claiming the first set.
Despite facing a brief challenge from Sinner, Djokovic swiftly regained control by breaking his opponent's serve in the third game of the second set. Tensions escalated when Djokovic incurred the ire of umpire Richard Haigh, who deducted a point for hindrance due to a distracting noise made by Djokovic during a shot.
Djokovic then approached Haigh to express his frustration, questioning the umpire's decision. Shortly thereafter, Haigh issued a warning to Djokovic for taking too long to serve, prompting further discontent from the Serbian. Nevertheless, Djokovic regained his composure, displaying his trademark efficiency to secure the second set.
In the third set, Djokovic faced two set points but demonstrated his resilience by saving them both. As the crowd vocally supported Sinner, Djokovic responded with a sarcastic crying gesture toward the stands, adding a touch of theatrics to the match. Ultimately, Djokovic triumphed in the third-set tie-break, securing a hard-fought victory that propels him to the brink of another historic achievement.